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 AGENDA SESSION MEETING OF

MARCH 12, 2009 AT 7 P.M.

1.      NOTICE OF MEETING

2.      ROLL CALL

3.      PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

4.      MINUTES FOR APPROVAL

Agenda Session – February 26, 2009

Regular Session – March 2, 2009

5.      TOWNSHIP COUNCIL REPORTS

American Red Cross Month 2009 Proclamation

6.      MAYOR’S REPORT

7.      DISCUSSION

Opportunity to Participate in Census Designated Place (CDP) Program

8.      BUDGET PRESENTATION

a)     Municipal Services (3/12

b)     Board of Education (3/16)

9.      2009 MUNICIPAL BUDGET

Public Hearing

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. PUBLIC HEARING AND FINAL ACTION ORDINANCES

12. INTRODUCTION OF NEW ORDINANCES

a)     Amending Chapter 94 Entitled “Fees” Subsection F Entitled “Health”

13. RESOLUTIONS

a)     Authorization Approving Final List of Volunteer Members of the Bridgewater First Aid and Rescue Squads Who Qualify for Contributions Under the Township Length of Service Award Program (LOSAP) in the Township of Bridgewater, County of Somerset

b)     Acceptance of the Hazardous Discharge Site Remediation Fund Public Entity

c)      Program in the Amount of $109,054 from the New Jersey Economic Development Authority New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection

d)     Award of Bid to Reliable Wood Products for Collection of Yard Waste in the Amount of $125,000 For 5 Years

e)     Award of Bid to Surrey Fire Safety House for a Fire Safety Trailer in the Amount of $41,480

f)       Authorizing the Sale of Municipal Personal Property Owned by the Township of Bridgewater through the County of Somerset

g)     Authorizing Change Order No. 16 In the Sum of $59,781.16 for the Alterations/Additions to the Township Municipal Complex Project Increasing the Contract Price from the Amended Price of $19,522,324.68 to $19,582,096.03 which is a 0.31% Increase and a Total 3.24% Increase

h)     Authorizing Construction Change Directive No. 2 for the Alterations/Additions to the Township Municipal Complex Project Decreasing the Contract Price from the Amended Price of $19,582,086.03 to $19,574,096.03 which is a 0.04% Decrease and a total 3.20% Increase

i)        Authorizing Change Order No. 1 in the Sum of $10,477 to Oxford Engineering Company` for the Public Works Garage Remedial Action Improvement Project (Oil/Water Separator-Trench Drain Cleaning) Increasing the Contract Price from $284,125.00 to $294,602.00 which is a 3.7% Increase

j)        2009 New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJ Dot) Highway Safety Fund Grant Program    of $48,000 for Safe Corridors Traffic Enforcement Expenditures

k)      Authorizing Submission of the Year 2009 Municipal Alliance Grant Update in an amount of $39,673

l)        Authorizing Budget Transfers for Appropriation Reserve

14. REPORTS

Clerk Report – February 2009

15. CLOSED SESSION

16. MOTION TO SET AGENDA

17.   ADJOURNMENT

Revised 03/11/08

MINUTES OF THE BRIDGEWATER TOWNSHIP COUNCIL

MARCH 12, 2009                 COUNCIL CHAMBERS

The Township Council of the Township of Bridgewater, County of Somerset, State of New Jersey, convened in an agenda session on Thursday, March 12, 2009, at 7 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, and the time change noticed for February 23, 2009, by sending written and electronic notice to the Courier News and the 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                        (Absent)

Howard Norgalis

Patrick Scaglione

Also Present:                       

James T. Naples, Township Administrator

Natasha Turchan, Director of Finance

Alan Bart Grant, Township Attorney

Linda J. Doyle, Township Clerk

Hector A. Herrera, Deputy Township Clerk

Council President Scaglione led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Council President Scaglione stated the minutes from the agenda session of February 26, 2009, and the regular session of March 2, 2009, are on the agenda for approval.

Councilman Hsing reported the Somerset County Business Partnership will be hosting and Energy Efficiency Audit Training Seminar at the Somerville Elks on March 24, 2009.  Councilman Hsing reported there is additional information from DOE on Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants Block.

Mr. Naples stated the Township will pursue these block grants further on completion of the Township’s participation with Somerset County’s Energy Efficiency Audit.

Councilman Norgalis reported on Monday he participated in the Somerset County Planning Board Meeting and that they had four items of interest including the Regional Transportation Plan update through 2030, summary of the COAH Third Round Plan, Wastewater Management Plan and the County Energy Grants.

Councilman Norgalis reported he attended the Township’s Open Space Meeting and requested Council hold a brief closed session at the end of this session.

Council was in consensus.

Councilman Albano reported on two applications discussed during the Planning Board Meeting.  Councilman Albano said the first one was on East Main Street proposing a Doctor’s office be constructed in a former Bank location and secondly, a major expansion at Somerset Tire Service adding a 200,000. sq. ft. warehouse.

Councilman Scaglione reported last year the Planning Board gave consideration to support a change in impervious coverage for the R-40 and R-50 zones.  Council President Scaglione offered that an ordinance be prepared for discussion during the next session.

Council President Scaglione reported he attended the Somerset County Governing Meeting in which gang activity was discussed.   Council President stated the Somerset County’s Prosecutor’s office currently has zero tolerance for any gang related activity.   As such, Gangs have historically stayed out of Somerset County to avoid such stringent penalties.  Council President added there are reports of Gangs looking for new headquarters, he added Hillsborough has been rumored to be a potential locations.

Council President Scaglione formally announced he is running for Somerset County Freeholder. Council President added he had nice press coverage over the past weekend and many people have commented on Bridgewater Township’s excellent reputation.   Council President Scaglione added those type of comments are reflections of the efforts afforded not only Council but Administration and the employees of the Township.

Mr. Naples reported Mayor Flannery attended the Bradley Gardens Rescue Reorganization meeting held on Saturday, March 7, 2009.

Robert Bogart, Director of Municipal Services provided Council with a 2009 budget power point presentation for the Departments of Municipal Services.  Mr. Bogart detailed the missions and accomplishments of the Divisions of Engineering, Zoning and Planning. Mr. Bogart detailed accomplishments for each of the departments under his direction for 2008 and discussed salaries, O&E, goals and cost efficiencies with Council for the year 2009.  Mr. Bogart explained the Department is lacking an in-house staff capability related to the acquisition of DEP permits, computer aided drafting of capital projects and inspections.   He added ideally he would like to hire a full time draftsperson who could be trained to double as a permit person, survey person and inspector.

John Langel and Safety Coordinator Joanne Evancho gave Council a presentation on the 2009 Public Works department budget.   Mr. Langel discussed the 2009 objectives and reviewed the accomplishments in 2008 including operating efficiencies, operating expenses, building and grounds, snow removal, parks and field preparation; and the sewer utility operating account.  Mr. Langel detailed 2009 projects that include various park and road improvement projects.  Mr. Langel outlined the staffing levels and job functions within the department.  Mr. Langel added there may be alternatives to the bulky trash program that may provide a cost benefit the Township. Mr. Langel updated Council on the current status of the Public Works department at its temporary relocation to the E&B building site and future site being constructed on the Stavola property. 

Steven Rodzinak, Construction Code Official presented the Code Enforcement Budget presentation. Mr. Rodzinak outlined the 2008 major objectives accomplished including the new fee structure to make the department financially self supporting, linking all of the related department’s records electronically and cross trained technical assistants.  Mr. Rodzinak outlined the goals for 2009 including upgrading computer software, implement digital storage of records with DARM certification.  Mr. Rodzinak requested the Township consider in-house Building and Electrical inspections and the use of wireless PDA’s for inspectors to input inspection results while in the field and thereby eliminate transcription back in the municipal building.   

Council was in support of the PDA devices and the customized supporting software and asked Mr. Rodzinak to provide more information for further consideration.

Council President Scaglione read the following resolution by title:

AWARD OF BID TO SURREY FIRE SAFETY HOUSE FOR A FIRE SAFETY TRAILER IN THE AMOUNT OF $41,480

Phil Langon discussed with Council the Fire Safety House.  He added the unit is mobile and will provide training and educational benefits.  Partial funding is coming from a grant.

AUTHORIZING BUDGET TRANSFERS FOR APPROPRIATION RESERVE

Ms. Turchan stated various bills from 2008 have been presented for payment this year, and the State Division of Local Government affords municipalities the authority to transfer monies within the last two months to cover those costs.

AUTHORIZING CHANGE ORDER  NO. 16 IN THE SUM OF $59,781.16 FOR THE ALTERATIONS/ADDITIONS TO THE TOWNSHIP MUNICIPAL COMPLEX PROJECT INCREASING THE CONTRACT PRICE FROM THE AMENDED PRICE OF $19,522,324.68 TO $19,582,096.03 WHICH IS A 0.31% INCREASE AND A TOTAL 3.24% INCREASE

Mathew Venenzi, Gilbane Construction Manager and Mark Coan of USA were available to field Council questions with regard to the Change Order referenced above.  Mr. Venenzi stated Gilbane recommends the approval of the changes which include seven separate PCO’s which he outlined in detail.  He added these changes were required to meet both the Township’s Building Code and D.O.C. compliance. 

Council directed Mr. Naples to provide a copy of the D.O.C. notice or proof that the D.O.C. mandated these changes in order to be compliant.   Council was most concerned with the costs incurred for PCO 114 and PCO 123.

AUTHORIZING CONSTRUCTION CHANGE DIRECTIVE NO. 2 FOR THE ALTERATIONS/ADDITIONS TO THE TOWNSHIP MUNICIPAL COMPLEX PROJECT DECREASING THE CONTRACT PRICE FROM THE AMENDED PRICE OF $19,582,086.03 TO $19,574,096.03 WHICH IS A 0.04% DECREASE AND A TOTAL 3.20% INCREASE

Mr. Venenzi advised Council the Construction Change Directive is an $8,000 credit value to reimburse the Township for monies spent to the PMK Group for their testing and reporting services.

AUTHORIZING CHANGE ORDER NO. 1 IN THE SUM OF $10,477 TO OXFORD ENGINEERING COMPANY` FOR THE PUBLIC WORKS GARAGE REMEDIAL ACTION IMPROVEMENT PROJECT (OIL/WATER SEPARATOR-TRENCH DRAIN CLEANING) INCREASING THE CONTRACT PRICE FROM $284,125.00 TO $294,602.00 WHICH IS A 3.7% INCREASE

Mr. Naples stated the contractor and Environmental Alliance, the Consulting Engineer recommend the change order be processed at this time for supplemental Items related to the removal and drumming of residual solids in the trench drains and oil/water separators for the Public Works garage remediation.

On motion of Councilman Hsing, seconded by Councilman Albano, the meeting was opened to the public.

No one wished to speak.

On motion of Councilman Hsing, seconded by Councilman Norgalis, the meeting was closed for public comment.

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 94 ENTITLED “FEES” SUBSECTION F ENTITLED “HEALTH” OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE OF THE TOWNSHIP OF BRIDGEWATER

Mr. Naples stated the amendments to the fee schedule are in-line with the surrounding municipalities and are recommended by the Professional Health Advisory Board based on the following:

1.                  The length of time necessary to conduct full compliance audits of licensed retail food establishments as requires under the recently revised Chapter 24 of NJ Sanitary Code.

2.                  The length of staff hours necessary to conduct plan review, scheduling, field oversight and certification for the alteration and construction of septic systems and the development of potable well systems.

Council concurred with the fee amendments but requested the old fees be inserted into the body of the ordinance.

AUTHORIZATION APPROVING FINAL LIST OF VOLUNTEER MEMBERS OF THE BRIDGEWATER FIRST AID AND RESCUE SQUADS WHO QUALIFY FOR CONTRIBUTIONS UNDER THE TOWNSHIP LENGTH OF SERVICE AWARD PROGRAM (LOSAP) IN THE TOWNSHIP OF BRIDGEWATER, COUNTY OF SOMERSET

Mr. Naples stated the Length of Service Award Program is a (401) type fund offered to EMS and Rescue Volunteers who meet certain point requirements.  Awardees are eligible to receive $1,150 per active qualifying member.

Mr. Naples listed the squads and numbers of members for each included in this years award as follows:

Bradley Gardens Rescue - 33 members

Martinsville Rescue Squad - 24 members,

Green Knoll Rescue Squad - 11 members.

ACCEPTANCE OF THE HAZARDOUS DISCHARGE SITE REMEDIATION FUND PUBLIC ENTITY PROGRAM IN THE AMOUNT OF $109,054 FROM THE NEW JERSEY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

Mr. Naples stated the Township has received a grant in the amount of $109,054 from the Hazardous Discharge Site Remediation Fund Municipal Grant Program through the NJ DEP and the NJ Economic Development Authority for site investigation and report preparation of the Township’s Public Works garage property.

AUTHORIZING THE SALE OF MUNICIPAL PERSONAL PROPERTY OWNED BY THE TOWNSHIP OF BRIDGEWATER THROUGH THE COUNTY OF SOMERSET

Mr. Naples stated the items listed are no longer needed for public purpose and recommends the Qualified Purchasing Agent forward the list to Somerset County for sale at public auction.  

2009 NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (NJ DOT) HIGHWAY SAFETY FUND GRANT PROGRAM OF $48,000 FOR SAFE CORRIDORS TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT EXPENDITURES

Mr. Naples stated the Grants Manager has recommended the Township submit an application to the 2009 NJ DOT Highway Safety Fund Grant program in the amount of $48,000 to seek reimbursement of various expenses incurred by the Police Department.

Council requested Mr. Naples prepare a report for the regular session on Monday itemizing the costs for each item.

 AUTHORIZING SUBMISSION OF THE YEAR 2009 MUNICIPAL ALLIANCE GRANT UPDATE IN AN AMOUNT OF $39,673

Mr. Naples stated the Grants Manager has reviewed the contract by Somerset County which would provide $39,673 to the Township of Bridgewater in 2009 for the provision of Municipal Alliance activities for the prevention of alcoholism and drug abuse.

Council President Scaglione stated the Township Clerk report for February, 2009 had been e-mailed to the members for review.

On motion of Councilman Albano, second of Councilman Hsing, the agenda was set for the regular meeting on Monday, March 16, 2009.

On motion of Councilman Albano the meeting was adjourned at 10 pm.

Respectfully Submitted,

Linda J. Doyle, RMC

Municipal Clerk

______________________________

Patrick Scaglione

Council President