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
APRIL 16, 2009 AT 7 P.M.
1. NOTICE OF MEETING
2. ROLL CALL
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
4. MINUTES FOR APPROVAL
Closed Session – April 6, 2009
5. TOWNSHIP COUNCIL REPORTS
6. MAYOR’S REPORT
7. DISCUSSION
Police Vehicles
8. PRESENTATION
Martin Luther King Youth Center
9. 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.
10. PUBLIC HEARING AND FINAL ACTION ORDINANCES
11. INTRODUCTION OF NEW ORDINANCES
a) Bond Ordinance Providing an Appropriation of $1,761,200 for Various Improvements
b) Bond Ordinance Providing an Appropriation of $238,800 for Public Works Equipment
12. RESOLUTIONS
a) Authorizing the Execution of Various Documents in Connection with the Somerset County Improvement Authority’s Somerset Municipal Banc Program
b) Authorizing Change Order No. 18 in the Sum of $18,207.27 for the Alterations/Additions to the Township Municipal Complex Project Increasing the Contract Price from the Amended Price of $19,574,096.03 to $19,592,366.30 which is a 0.09% Increase and a Total 3.29% Increase
c) Authorizing Award of Professional Services Contract to Appraisal Systems, Inc. to Perform Professional Appraiser Inspection and Related Services in Connection with 2009 Township Reassessment Program for 2009 in the Amount of $92,300 and an Additional $2,500 for Other Inspections as Required
d) Authorization to Execute an Agreement for an Amount Not to Exceed $386,401.85 with the Board of Chosen Freeholders of Somerset County for 2009 Recycling Collection at 16,201 Residential Locations at $23.85 per Location
e) New Jersey Department of Transportation 2010 Municipal Aid Program Reconstruct Pavement on Brown Road / Reconstruct Pavement on Country Club Road (Phase 1) – Authorization to Submit Two Grant Applications and Execute Two Grant Agreements with the New Jersey Department of Transportation
f) New Jersey Department of Transportation Resolution, Application, and Agreement for State Aid to Counties and Municipalities – Repaving U.S. Route 22 Interchange with Grove and North Bridge Streets
g) Authorization for Firework Displays Somerset Patriots April 23, April 30,
May 8, May 23 and June 5, 2009
h) Authorizing Execution of a Developer’s Agreement Between the Township of Bridgewater and SJP Properties, LLC Located At 600 Somerset Corporate Boulevard
i) 2009 Cops Hiring Recovery Program (CHRP)
13. REPORTS
March 2009 Clerk Report
14. CLOSED SESSION
Litigation
15. ADJOURNMENT
Revised 04/14/09
MINUTES OF THE BRIDGEWATER TOWNSHIP COUNCIL
APRIL 16, 2009 COUNCIL CHAMBERS
The Township Council of the Township of Bridgewater, County of Somerset, State of New Jersey, convened in an regular session on Thursday, April 16, 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 March 12, 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
Howard Norgalis
Patrick Scaglione
Also Present:
James T. Naples, Township Administrator
Robert Bogart, Director of Municipal Services
Natasha Turchan, Director of Finance
Alan 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.
On the motion of Councilman Albano, second of Councilman Hsing, Council convened in closed session at 7:07 p.m.
BE IT RESOLVED, by the Bridgewater Township Council that this body will now hold a closed meeting to discuss litigation and contract negotiations.
When and if the matters discussed become public record, this will be made known to the public at that time.
The public is excluded from said meeting and further notice thereof is dispensed with all in accordance with Sections 8 and 4a of the Open Public Meetings Act.
On motion of Councilman Albano, second of Councilman Hsing, Council reconvened in open session at 7:30 p.m.
Councilman Hsing reported he attended a Local government energy savings resource seminar at the Hyatt in New Brunswick. He stated many energy saving topics were discussed including the Local Government Energy Audit Program. He urged the administration to sign up for the Sustainable Jersey Program.
Councilman Hsing reported Asian American Heritage Month and requested a proclamation be read at a May Council meeting.
Councilman Hsing reported the New Jersey Lions Club state convention will be in Bridgewater. He requested a proclamation be read an upcoming meeting celebrating the convention.
Councilman Moench reported he attended the Somerset County Governing Officials meeting with Councilmen Albano and Scaglione. He stated the speakers were Somerset County Republican Chairperson Dale Florio and Somerset County Democratic Chairperson Peg Schafer who provided an exchange of ideas.
Councilman Moench reminded everyone the board of education election is Tuesday, April 21.
Councilmen Moench stated he would like Council to have a discussion regarding utility companies performing work without prior notification on the property owned by Township residents. Mr. Bogart reviewed the current process that requires utility companies to contact the Township and obtain a permit before performing work that requires digging.
Councilmen Moench reported Bradley Gardens Baseball opening day was scheduled for Saturday, April 25.
Councilman Albano reported he attended the Somerset County Governing Officials and noted how courteous and cordial Mr. Florio and Ms. Schafer were to each other while discussing the issues.
Councilman Albano stated he felt it would be a waste of money to use stimulus money to update train stations in the areas. He stated addressing the trestle/underpass at Milltown Road would be a better project.
Councilman Albano reported he had a meeting with representatives of an industrial company in New York City who have a 140,000 ft2 building with 40 kw solar cells on the roof. The representatives of the company stated there was two-year payback on equipment. Councilman Albano stated the Township should look into retrofitting the municipal complex to add the solar cells.
Council President Scaglione reported he attended the Somerset County Governing Officials meeting where two items of note were discussed: getting people involved in politics at a younger age and pay-to-play reform legislation.
Mr. Naples reported the 45-day comment period had expired for the Township’s Housing Element and Fair Share Plan. He stated there were two objections received by the Township.
Mr. Naples reported Bridgewater Baseball was holding its open day on Saturday. He reported the Township would be would sponsoring its first Earth Day activities on Saturday afternoon at Duke Island Park..
Mr. Naples reported the monument committee for the new municipal complex has been having meetings. A preliminary design was currently on the Web site.
POLICE VEHICLES
Council and the Police had a discussion regarding the fleet of police vehicles and the 2009 plan to purchase vehicles. Chief Richard Borden described the department’s plan to replace mark and unmarked vehicles. Councilman Norgalis stated he felt many of the ‘wear-and-tear’ problems, particularly transmission problems could be caused by driver “lead footing”. He suggested additional driver sensivity training to address this issue.
2009 Cops Hiring Recovery Program (CHRP)
Council and the Police discussed this United States Department of Justice grant available to municipalities the costs of hiring full-time uniformed police officers, including fringe benefits. Lieutenant Manuel Caravella informed Council the grant would provide funds to hire an office for three years but, as a requirement to receive the grant, the Township would have to fund the fourth year.
Chief Borden discussed the need for an additional officer. He stated the additional officer would ease staffing concerns such as sick days, vacation days, military leave of absences, and other police department initiatives that are not possible because of staffing levels. He also stated there was an increase in police activity which was being met by an increase of overtime.
Council, Mr. Naples and the Police discussed how the grant would affect the current table of organization and what would happen to the position after the fourth year. They also discussed the need to amend the municipal code that set the number of officer at 77 to 78 officers. Council also discussed amending the table of organization to satisfy this grant’s requirements then amending it again after four years.
Mr. Naples and Police informed Council this resolution was only to submit the application for the grant.
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 RESOLUTION WAS APPROVED.
A copy of resolution #09-04-16-110 is appended to the official minutes.
AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF VARIOUS DOCUMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH THE SOMERSET COUNTY IMPROVEMENT AUTHORITY’S SOMERSET MUNICIPAL BANC PROGRAM
Mr. Naples informed Council this resolution authorizes the Township’s continued participation (fourth consecutive year) with the Somerset County Improvement Authority and authorized the purchase of six marked police vehicles for 2010.
He stat
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 No
Councilman Norgalis Aye
Council President Scaglione Aye
THE RESOLUTION WAS APPROVED.
A copy of resolution #09-04-16-111 is appended to the official minutes.
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Introduction of Ordinance |
BOND ORDINANCE PROVIDING AN APPROPRIATION OF $1,761,200 FOR VARIOUS IMPROVEMENTS IN AND BY THE TOWNSHIP OF BRIDGEWATER, IN THE COUNTY OF SOMERSET, NEW JERSEY AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF $1,673,140 BONDS OR NOTES OF THE TOWNSHIP FOR FINANCING PART OF THE APPROPRIATION
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the said pending ordinance be passed on first reading and advertised as required by statute fixing the 4th of May 2009, at 7:30 p.m. prevailing time on said day as the time and the Bridgewater Township Municipal Annex at 505 Route 202-206 South in said Township as the place for hearing and final action; and
FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Township Clerk shall forthwith post on the bulletin board in the Township Municipal Building at 700 Garretson Road, a true copy of said ordinance and make copies available to members of the general public and spread the same upon the minutes of the meeting; and
FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Clerk forward the Supplemental Debt Statement received this date to the Division of Local Government Services in the Department of Community Affairs, Trenton, New Jersey.
Council discussed the two proposed projects to be funded with this bond. They included drainage improvements (not limited) to East Brook Road and road improvements (not limited) to Foothill Road.
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 RESOLUTION WAS APPROVED.
A copy of resolution #09-04-16-112 is appended to the official minutes.
BOND ORDINANCE PROVIDING AN APPROPRIATION OF $238,800 FOR PUBLIC WORKS EQUIPMENT IN AND BY THE TOWNSHIP OF BRIDGEWATER, IN THE COUNTY OF SOMERSET, NEW JERSEY AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF $226,860 BONDS OR NOTES OF THE TOWNSHIP FOR FINANCING PART OF THE APPROPRIATION.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the said pending ordinance be passed on first reading and advertised as required by statute fixing the 4th of May 2009, at 7:30 p.m. prevailing time on said day as the time and the Bridgewater Township Municipal Annex at 505 Route 202-206 South in said Township as the place for hearing and final action; and
FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Township Clerk shall forthwith post on the bulletin board in the Township Municipal Building at 700 Garretson Road, a true copy of said ordinance and make copies available to members of the general public and spread the same upon the minutes of the meeting; and
FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Clerk forward the Supplemental Debt Statement received this date to the Division of Local Government Services in the Department of Community Affairs, Trenton, New Jersey.
Council discussed the proposed public works equipment (not limited to) including a pickup truck with plow, mason dump truck with plow and spreader, and a diesel pickup truck with plow and vehicle lift. Mr. Naples informed Council all of the proposed equipment would be replacing old equipment, the youngest of which was a 1996 pick up truck. He also informed Council the old equipment would be auctioned off.
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 RESOLUTION WAS APPROVED.
A copy of resolution #09-04-16-113 is appended to the official minutes.
MARTIN LUTHER KING YOUTH CENTER
MLK Youth Center Board President Cheryl Crawford and Executive Ranji Chopra provided Council with a presentation of the activities, programs, mission and financial status of the Center. Ms. Crawford and Ms. Chopra informed Council it had a negative budget for this year. Ms. Crawford and Ms. Chopra informed Council the Center serves the surrounding communities (Bound Brook, Somerville, South Bound Brook, Raritan, and Manville) and Bridgewater.
Council pointed out that it owns the building and is the only municipality currently providing the center with funding. Council informed Ms. Crawford and Ms. Chopra it had cut funding to all charitable organizations, not just the Center. It also suggested additional funding sources including American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and the Regional Center partnership.
Charles Harrison, 685 Strawbridge Street, stated he is a former board member and supports the efforts of the Center.
On motion of Councilman Hsing, seconded by Councilman Albano, the meeting was opened to the public.
On motion of Councilman Norgalis, seconded by Councilman Albano, the meeting was closed for public comment.
AUTHORIZING CHANGE ORDER NO. 18 IN THE SUM OF $18,207.27 FOR THE ALTERATIONS/ADDITIONS TO THE TOWNSHIP MUNICIPAL COMPLEX PROJECT INCREASING THE CONTRACT PRICE FROM THE AMENDED PRICE OF $19,574,096.03 TO $19,592,366.30 WHICH IS A 0.09% INCREASE AND A TOTAL 3.29% INCREASE
Councilman Albano stated he reviewed the change orders and agreed with all of them except for one – installation of two locking fire extinguisher cabinets. Mr. Naples informed Council that item would be removed from change order #18. Councilman Albano informed Council the change order item lowering dais center cap height had already been complete and was being added to the list of items to be arbitrated at the completion of the project.
Council discussed the relocation of the stainless steel furniture in prisoner processing room. Councilman Albano informed Council it was a design flaw and would also be added to the list of items to be arbitrated at the completion of the project.
Councilman Norgalis reiterated Councilman Hsing’s request to have known the person/entity who proposed the change order.
Mr. Naples stated if the change order has a BWT code, it is from the Township administration. He also stated he has requested the architect provide this information. He informed Council since the arbitration list has been formed, the architect has refused to provide any information, he assumed based on advise from its legal counsel.
Councilman Norgalis left the meeting at 8:59 p.m.
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 Absent
Council President Scaglione Aye
THE RESOLUTION WAS APPROVED.
A copy of resolution #09-04-16-114 is appended to the official minutes.
AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF A DEVELOPER’S AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE TOWNSHIP OF BRIDGEWATER AND SJP PROPERTIES, LLC LOCATED AT 600 SOMERSET CORPORATE BOULEVARD
On the motion of Councilman Albano, second of Councilman Hsing, this item was tabled to the May 4 meeting.
AUTHORIZING AWARD OF PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONTRACT TO APPRAISAL SYSTEMS, INC. TO PERFORM PROFESSIONAL APPRAISER INSPECTION AND RELATED SERVICES IN CONNECTION WITH 2009 TOWNSHIP REASSESSMENT PROGRAM FOR 2009 IN THE AMOUNT OF $92,300 AND AN ADDITIONAL $2,500 FOR OTHER INSPECTIONS AS REQUIRED
Councilman Albano requested that while the inspector is in the home performing the appraisal, the inspector check to see if there is a sump pump.
AUTHORIZATION TO EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT FOR AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $386,401.85 WITH THE BOARD OF CHOSEN FREEHOLDERS OF SOMERSET COUNTY FOR 2009 RECYCLING COLLECTION AT 16,201 RESIDENTIAL LOCATIONS AT $23.85 PER LOCATION
Mr. Naples noted the per house rate would be the same in 2009.
NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION 2010 MUNICIPAL AID PROGRAM RECONSTRUCT PAVEMENT ON BROWN ROAD / RECONSTRUCT PAVEMENT ON COUNTRY CLUB ROAD (PHASE 1) – AUTHORIZATION TO SUBMIT TWO GRANT APPLICATIONS AND EXECUTE TWO GRANT AGREEMENTS WITH THE NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION RESOLUTION, APPLICATION, AND AGREEMENT FOR STATE AID TO COUNTIES AND MUNICIPALITIES – REPAVING U.S. ROUTE 22 INTERCHANGE WITH GROVE AND NORTH BRIDGE STREETS
Mr. Bogart reviewed the two above grant applications.
AUTHORIZATION FOR FIREWORK DISPLAYS SOMERSET PATRIOTS APRIL 23, APRIL 30, MAY 8, MAY 23 AND JUNE 5, 2009
On motion of Councilman Norgalis, second by Councilman Albano, 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 #09-04-16-115 through #09-04-16-119 is appended to the official minutes.
On motion of Councilman Albano the meeting was adjourned at 9:15 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Linda J. Doyle, RMC
Municipal Clerk
______________________________
Patrick Scaglione
Council President
