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
FEBRUARY 2, 2009 AT 7:30 P.M.
1. NOTICE OF MEETING
2. ROLL CALL
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
4. MINUTES FOR APPROVAL
Regular Session – January 15, 2009
Closed Session – January 15, 2009
5. TOWNSHIP COUNCIL REPORTS
6. MAYOR’S REPORT
7. DISCUSSION
8. PUBLIC HEARING AND FINAL ACTION ORDINANCES
9. INTRODUCTION OF NEW ORDINANCES
10. 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.
11. RESOLUTIONS
a) Appointment to the Shade Tree Board
b) Place to Place Transfer of Retail Plenary Consumption Liquor License No. 1806-33-019-002 – Mr. Smith’s Beef and Ale, Inc. t/a McCarthy’s Bar and Grill located at 600 East Main Street, Bridgewater
c) Authorizing 2009 Participation In Public Archives and Records Infrastructure Support (PARIS) Grant Requests and Funding Through Somerset County
d) Award of Contract to Communications Specialists, Inc. for the Digital Dispatch Console System in the Amount of $143,519.50
e) Authorizing Release of the Performance Guarantee, Acceptance of the Site Improvements, Acceptance of the Maintenance Guarantee and Release of Corsini Homes, LLC; Block 254 Lot 69.01 (95 Pearl Street); Block 254 Lot 69.02 (5 Sloan Court); Block 254 Lot 69.03 (7 Sloan Court); Block 254 Lot 69.04 (6 Sloan Court); Block 254 Lot 69.05 (4 Sloan Court); Block 254 Lot 69.06 (2 Sloan Court) Formerly Know As Block 254, Lots 69, 70 and 71
f) Authorizing Change Order No.1/Final Change Order, Release of Performance Bond, Acceptance of Maintenance Bond and $500 Cash Bond for Landscaping and Final Payment for Drainage Improvements for Cathy Court Park Project
g) Authorizing Change of Scope No. 5 to the Professional Services Contract In the Sum of $17,500 for Architectural Services for the Alterations/ Additions to the Township Municipal Complex Project Increasing the Contract Price with USA Architects, Planners & Interior Designers from the Amended Price of $596,233.70 to $613,733.70 (the original contract price $561,916)
h) Authorizing Change Order No. 14 in the Sum of $32,173.90 for the Alterations/Additions to the Township Municipal Complex Project Increasing the Contract Price from the Amended Price of $19,479,353.75 to $19,511,527.65 which is a 0.17% Increase and a Total 2.87 Increase
i) Authorizing Award of Professional Engineering / Surveying Inspection Services Contract to Vancleef Engineering Associates for the Crim Park Expansion Improvement Project In the Amount of $24,500
j) Authorizing A Further Amendment To Restrictive Covenants On 551 Milltown Road, Block 168, Lot 18
k) Authorizing Release of the Offsite Contribution for the Falcon/Quirico Subdivision, Block 140 Lot 12.01 (15 Ardmaer Drive); Block 140 Lot 12.02 (17 Ardmaer Drive); Block 140 Lot 14 (72 Chestnut Street) Formerly Know As Block 140 Lots 12 and 14
12. REPORTS
13. CLOSED SESSION
14. ADJOURNMENT
15. ADJOURNMENT
Revised 1/30/09
MINUTES OF THE BRIDGEWATER TOWNSHIP COUNCIL
FEBRUARY 2, 2009 COUNCIL CHAMBERS
The Township Council of the Township of Bridgewater, County of Somerset, State of New Jersey, convened in a regular session on Monday, February 2, 2009, at 7:30 p.m. in Council Chambers in the Municipal Annex, Bridgewater, New Jersey.
Council President Scaglione read the following announcement:
In compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act of New Jersey, adequate notice of this meeting was provided on January 6, 2009, by sending written and electronic notice to the Courier News and The Newark Star Ledger; 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
Michael P. Hsing
Matthew C. Moench
Howard V. Norgalis
Patrick Scaglione
Also Present: James T. Naples, Township Administrator
Robert Bogart, Director of Municipal Services
Thomas Forsythe, Township Engineer Division Manager
William B. Savo, Township Attorney
Linda J. Doyle, Township Clerk
Hector A. Herrera, Deputy Township Clerk
Council President Scaglione led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.
On motion of Councilman Albano, second by Councilman Hsing, the minutes for the January 15, regular session meeting was approved. The vote was as follows:
Councilman Albano Aye
Councilman Hsing Aye
Councilman Moench Aye
Councilman Norgalis Aye
Council President Scaglione Aye
The closed session minutes for January 15, 2009, were approved.
Councilman Hsing reported he received a memo regarding new legislation for traffic signals. He stated the new legislation will give more flexibility to municipalities.
Councilman Moench reported he attended an information session on health care opportunities for municipal employees. He stated he brought some of the ideas to the attention of the administration to evaluate if any could be implemented in Bridgewater. He stated that administration reviewed with the Township’s healthcare provider and concluded it was not right for Bridgewater.
Councilman Moench reported he attended a breakfast with all four republican gubernatorial candidates. He stated it was encouraging that all four spoke about COAH because it will be a campaign issue.
Councilman Norgalis reported Cub Scout Pack 99, which meets at Van Holten School, invited him to join them on a tour of Verizon Wireless Network Operations Center in Bedminster.
Councilman Scaglione reported February 17 is the scheduled digital conversion date for television broadcast. He asked Councilman Hsing, Council liaison to the Township Cable Television Advisory Committee, to follow up with the committee to be sure the Township is doing everything it should be doing for its residents to prepare for the change.
Councilman Scaglione requested administration provide Council with a follow-up report regarding the implementation of a medical expenses flexible spending account for Township employees.
Mr. Naples reported Mayor Flannery’s attended several reorganization dinners including Martinsville Fire Department, Martinsville Rescue Squad, Bradley Gardens Fire Department, and Finderne Fire Department. He reported she also attended a Martin Luther King, Jr. celebration in Manville and a Chinese New Year celebration.
On motion of Councilman Norgalis, seconded by Councilman Albano, the meeting was opened to the public.
Connor Hennessey of Boy Scout Troop 185 in North Branch was at the meeting to earn his citizenship and community merit badge.
No one else wished to speak. On motion of Councilman Albano, seconded by Councilman Norgalis, the meeting was closed for public comment.
APPOINTMENT TO THE SHADE TREE BOARD
On motion of Councilman Albano, second by Councilman Norgalis, the foregoing resolution was approved. The vote was as follows:
Councilman Albano Aye
Councilman Hsing Aye
Councilman Moench Aye
Councilman Norgalis Aye
Council President Scaglione Aye
THE RESOLUTIONS WERE APPROVED.
A copy of resolutions #09-02-02-036 is appended to the official minutes.
PLACE TO PLACE TRANSFER OF RETAIL PLENARY CONSUMPTION LIQUOR LICENSE NO. 1806-33-019-002 – MR. SMITH’S BEEF AND ALE, INC. T/A MCCARTHY’S BAR AND GRILL LOCATED AT 600 EAST MAIN STREET, BRIDGEWATER
Council President Scaglione reviewed the discussion on this resolution held at the January 29 work session. He stated McCarthy’s (the applicant), represented by Larry Powers, is applying to extend the area licenced area of his restaurant to allow alcoholic beverages on an outside patio. Council President Scaglione recapped that no waiter service would offered on the patio and all containers would be disposable plastic.
Council President Scaglione stated that legal counsel revised the resolution included a new sketch and the provision of an outdoor security camera for the patio.
Councilman Hsing reiterated his concern with allowing this restaurant to extend its liquor license to an outside area. He stated his concern had nothing to do with applicant.
On motion of Councilman Albano, second by Councilman Norgalis, the foregoing resolution was approved. The vote was as follows:
Councilman Albano Aye
Councilman Hsing Nay
Councilman Moench Aye
Councilman Norgalis Aye
Council President Scaglione Aye
THE RESOLUTIONS WERE APPROVED.
A copy of resolutions #09-02-02-037 is appended to the official minutes.
AUTHORIZING 2009 PARTICIPATION IN PUBLIC ARCHIVES AND RECORDS INFRASTRUCTURE SUPPORT (PARIS) GRANT REQUESTS AND FUNDING THROUGH SOMERSET COUNTY
Council President Scaglione reviewed the resolution. He stated its purpose was to support the Clerk’s office in its efforts to manage Township records.
On motion of Councilman Hsing, second by Councilman Albano, the foregoing resolution was approved. The vote was as follows:
Councilman Albano Aye
Councilman Hsing Aye
Councilman Moench Aye
Councilman Norgalis Aye
Council President Scaglione Aye
THE RESOLUTIONS WERE APPROVED.
A copy of resolutions #09-02-02-038 is appended to the official minutes.
AWARD OF CONTRACT TO COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALISTS, INC. FOR THE DIGITAL DISPATCH CONSOLE SYSTEM IN THE AMOUNT OF $143,519.50
Chief Richard Borden, Captain Joseph Kish, Lieutenant Manuel Caravela and Steve Papps of Communications Specialists, Inc were at the meeting to provide more information about the radio console system. They informed Council the current equipment was purchased new in 2003 but was utilizing 1997 technology. The new system would be a touch-screen system that would improve efficiency because of its ease to contact/dispatch emergency service organizations within the Township.
Although the proposed contract was for four consoles, currently there are only three consoles and mostly two are utilized. They stated the current third console was mostly utilized for training, overflow for busy periods and backup when a console failed. They also informed Council that the current console was discontinued so parts and maintenance would be an issue after the next year. The current system would also not allow for any expansion.
Council Moench asked why there was the need for the fourth console if there was only currently there were three with only two being utilized on a regular basis.
Councilman Norgalis asked if it would be possible to keep the dispatch center in its current location and move the police department into the new building. Police representatives informed Councilman Norgalis that the dispatch system is connected to the network server for records management purposes. Code Enforcement Official Steve Rodzinak also informed Council the dispatch consoles would have to be operational before a temporary certificate of occupancy was issued for the building.
Councilman Albano asked how the process of moving the current system into the new building was going to work if the new consoles were not purchased. Police representatives informed him that the system had to be completely shut down and Somerset County dispatch would take over dispatch duties during the move. They stated this would work on a temporary basis but the County dispatch center did not have certain capabilities the Township dispatch center had, namely records management. Councilman Albano asked how this purchase would tie into the possibility of all dispatching services to Somerset County. Mr. Naples informed Councilman Albano the study for an integration of dispatch systems would not be available for 6-8 months.
Councilman Albano asked why there were differences in records keeping procedures between Somerset County dispatch and Bridgewater dispatch and what where the legal requirements. Police representatives informed Councilman Albano that both organizations were fulfilling the legal requirements however, Bridgewater Township had moved to an electronic system.
Councilman Hsing asked the approximate life span (mean time to failure) of each console. Police representatives stated it was approximately nine years. Councilman Hsing asked if the Township try to predict what type of system Somerset County will be purchasing so the Township can be sure purchase a system that was compatible. Mr. Naples stated it was party of the study being conducted by the county.
Council expressed concern that there are no other systems of this type in Somerset County or New Jersey that the consultant was aware of
Council President Scaglione stated there has been discussion of coordinating dispatching duties with Somerset County for over three years and the new municipal complex has been under design for over two years. He stated this was the first time Council was made aware of the need for new purchase consoles. He asked why Council was not consulted with the thought process and made aware of this need. He stated Council was being put in a position of looking at this at the last moment. Mr. Naples apologized for misspeaking at the agenda session when he stated the current equipment could not be moved to the new facility. He stated he followed up and it is a reliability issue. If Council rejected this resolution, the current equipment could be moved into the new facility however, the reliability of the equipment would be questionable.
Council President Scaglione referred to the numerous meetings police representatives referenced earlier. He asked if this new system was discussed and agreed upon by the various organizations why was it never discussed with Council, the organization that ultimately approves the purchase.
Police representatives stated over the past few years, police have pieced together solutions and fixes for the current system. The reality of this purchase did not start until all options of how to improve the current system were discussed with the various entities and a funding source capabilities solution was presented from the Emergency Services Fund.
Council President Scaglione stated on behalf of the Governing Body, Council’s strong objection to the lack of communication on the part of the Police Department and Administration in considering this type of purchase without being afforded the opportunity to understand the impact and necessity of the dispatch system. Council President also advised this type of purchase not be made in the future without Council made aware in advance.
Councilman Norgalis stated although this purchase is not coming from the contingency monies for the Municipal Complex, he would like to see this item be appended to the additions and alterations list to the complex to tract the overall costs of the project.
On motion of Councilman Moench, second by Councilman Albano, the foregoing resolution was approved. The vote was as follows:
Councilman Albano Aye
Councilman Hsing Aye
Councilman Moench Aye
Councilman Norgalis Aye
Council President Scaglione Aye
THE RESOLUTIONS WERE APPROVED.
A copy of resolutions #09-02-02-039 is appended to the official minutes.
AUTHORIZING RELEASE OF THE PERFORMANCE GUARANTEE, ACCEPTANCE OF THE SITE IMPROVEMENTS, ACCEPTANCE OF THE MAINTENANCE GUARANTEE AND RELEASE OF CORSINI HOMES, LLC; BLOCK 254 LOT 69.01 (95 PEARL STREET); BLOCK 254 LOT 69.02 (5 SLOAN COURT); BLOCK 254 LOT 69.03 (7 SLOAN COURT); BLOCK 254 LOT 69.04 (6 SLOAN COURT); BLOCK 254 LOT 69.05 (4 SLOAN COURT); BLOCK 254 LOT 69.06 (2 SLOAN COURT) FORMERLY KNOW AS BLOCK 254, LOTS 69, 70 AND 71
Mr. Bogart explained this was a subdivision and recommends the release of performance bond and acceptance of the project. .
On motion of Councilman Albano, second by Councilman Moench, the foregoing resolution was approved. The vote was as follows:
Councilman Albano Aye
Councilman Hsing Aye
Councilman Moench Aye
Councilman Norgalis Aye
Council President Scaglione Aye
THE RESOLUTIONS WERE APPROVED.
A copy of resolutions #09-02-02-040 is appended to the official minutes.
AUTHORIZING CHANGE ORDER NO.1/FINAL CHANGE ORDER, RELEASE OF PERFORMANCE BOND, ACCEPTANCE OF MAINTENANCE BOND AND $500 CASH BOND FOR LANDSCAPING AND FINAL PAYMENT FOR DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENTS FOR CATHY COURT PARK PROJECT
Council President Scaglione stated this resolution was discussed at length with Mr. Bogart during the agenda session.
On motion of Councilman Norgalis, second by Councilman Albano, the foregoing resolution was approved. The vote was as follows:
Councilman Albano Aye
Councilman Hsing Aye
Councilman Moench Aye
Councilman Norgalis Aye
Council President Scaglione Aye
THE RESOLUTIONS WERE APPROVED.
A copy of resolutions #09-02-02-041 is appended to the official minutes.
AUTHORIZING CHANGE OF SCOPE NO. 5 TO THE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONTRACT IN THE SUM OF $17,500 FOR ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES FOR THE ALTERATIONS/ ADDITIONS TO THE TOWNSHIP MUNICIPAL COMPLEX PROJECT INCREASING THE CONTRACT PRICE WITH USA ARCHITECTS, PLANNERS & INTERIOR DESIGNERS FROM THE AMENDED PRICE OF $596,233.70 TO $613,733.70 (THE ORIGINAL CONTRACT PRICE $561,916)
Council discussed this resolution at length during the agenda session on Thursday, January 29.
Mr. Naples explained this funding is for the architectural drawings for the trailers. Mr. Naples stated other options had been considered, however this option best meets the needs to temporarily house the Recreation and Health Departments during the transition.
On motion of Councilman Albano, second by Councilman Norgalis, the foregoing resolution was approved. The vote was as follows:
Councilman Albano Aye
Councilman Hsing Aye
Councilman Moench Aye
Councilman Norgalis Aye
Council President Scaglione Aye
THE RESOLUTIONS WERE APPROVED.
A copy of resolutions #09-02-02-042 is appended to the official minutes.
AUTHORIZING CHANGE ORDER NO. 14 IN THE SUM OF $32,173.90 FOR THE ALTERATIONS/ADDITIONS TO THE TOWNSHIP MUNICIPAL COMPLEX PROJECT INCREASING THE CONTRACT PRICE FROM THE AMENDED PRICE OF $19,479,353.75 TO $19,511,527.65 WHICH IS A 0.17% INCREASE AND A TOTAL 2.87 INCREASE
Council discussed this change order addressing each line item during the agenda session on January 29.
Mr. Savo stated he is having preliminary discussions with the Counsel representing USA Architects on the design discrepancies.
On motion of Councilman Albano, second by Councilman Scaglione, the foregoing resolution was approved. The vote was as follows:
Councilman Albano Aye
Councilman Hsing Aye
Councilman Moench Nay
Councilman Norgalis Nay
Council President Scaglione Aye
THE RESOLUTIONS WERE APPROVED.
A copy of resolutions #09-02-02-043 is appended to the official minutes.
AUTHORIZING A FURTHER AMENDMENT TO RESTRICTIVE COVENANTS ON 551 MILLTOWN ROAD, BLOCK 168, LOT 18
Council President Scaglione asked Councilman Moench to call him so he can give him some history on this property and the restrictive covenant agreement terms.
On motion of Councilman Albano, second by Councilman Hsing, the foregoing resolution was approved. The vote was as follows:
Councilman Albano Aye
Councilman Hsing Aye
Councilman Moench Aye
Councilman Norgalis Aye
Council President Scaglione Aye
THE RESOLUTIONS WERE APPROVED.
A copy of resolutions #09-02-02-044 is appended to the official minutes.
AUTHORIZING RELEASE OF THE OFFSITE CONTRIBUTION FOR THE FALCON/QUIRICO SUBDIVISION, BLOCK 140 LOT 12.01 (15 ARDMAER DRIVE); BLOCK 140 LOT 12.02 (17 ARDMAER DRIVE); BLOCK 140 LOT 14 (72 CHESTNUT STREET) FORMERLY KNOW AS BLOCK 140 LOTS 12 AND 14
Council discussed the release of the off-site contribution at length with Mr. Bogart during the agenda session on January 29.
On motion of Councilman Norgalis, second by Councilman Moench, the foregoing resolution was approved. The vote was as follows:
Councilman Albano Aye
Councilman Hsing Aye
Councilman Moench Aye
Councilman Norgalis Aye
Council President Scaglione Aye
THE RESOLUTIONS WERE APPROVED.
A copy of resolutions #09-02-02-045 is appended to the official minutes.
Council President Scaglione requested the municipal budget be prepared and distributed to Council prior to the meeting on February 12.
Mr. Naples stated he will have the budget finalized for distribution prior to the Council session.
Mr. Savo recused himself from the following award of contract due to a conflict with Van Cleef. Mr. Savo left the Council session for the duration of the meeting.
AUTHORIZING AWARD OF PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERING / SURVEYING INSPECTION SERVICES CONTRACT TO VANCLEEF ENGINEERING ASSOCIATES FOR THE CRIM PARK EXPANSION IMPROVEMENT PROJECT IN THE AMOUNT OF $24,500
Mr. Bogart distributed to Council a preliminary plan depicting the proposed project. Mr. Bogart explained the project moving forward will construct a regulation size lacrosse and soccer field.
Councilman Moench asked whether the structures on the property had any historical significance.
Mr. Naples assured these structures were built within the last twenty years.
On motion of Councilman Norgalis, second by Councilman Moench, the foregoing resolution was approved. The vote was as follows:
Councilman Albano Aye
Councilman Hsing Aye
Councilman Moench Aye
Councilman Norgalis Aye
Council President Scaglione Aye
THE RESOLUTIONS WERE APPROVED.
A copy of resolutions #09-02-02-046 is appended to the official minutes.
On motion of Councilman Albano, the meeting was adjourned at 9:50 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Linda J. Doyle, RMC
Municipal Clerk
______________________________
Patrick Scaglione
Council President
