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
MAY 18, 2009 AT 7:30 P.M.
1. NOTICE OF MEETING
2. ROLL CALL
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
4. MINUTES FOR APPROVAL
Regular Session – May 4, 2009
Closed Session 1 – May 4, 2009
Closed Session 2 – May 4, 2009
5. TOWNSHIP COUNCIL REPORTS
6. MAYOR’S REPORT
7. DISCUSSION
An Ordinance Creating a Chapter 40 within Part I (Administrative Legislation) of the Municipal Code Entitled “Discharges Of Hazardous Substances: Cleanup and Reimbursement” for the Purpose Of Authorizing Municipal Cleanup and Municipal Reimbursement of Costs from the Person or Entity Responsible for the Discharge
8. 2009 MUNICIPAL BUDGET
Budget Amendments
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
12. RESOLUTIONS
a) Authorizing Payments Pursuant to an Interlocal Services Agreement Between the Township of Bridgewater and the Board of Education of the Bridgewater Raritan School District for Custodial Overtime Fees Arising Out of the Use of Facilities within the School District Totaling $33,867
b) Place to Place Extension of Premise Transfer of Club Liquor License #1806-31-033-002 – Raritan Valley Country Club, 747 State Route 28, Bridgewater
c) Authorization for Fireworks Display Raritan Valley Country Club – Saturday, July 4, 2009 (raindate: July 5)
13. REPORTS
Clerk Report – April, 2009
14. CLOSED SESSION
Contract Negotiations
15. ADJOURNMENT
Revised 05/14/09
MINUTES OF THE BRIDGEWATER TOWNSHIP COUNCIL
MAY 18, 2009 COUNCIL CHAMBERS
The Township Council of the Township of Bridgewater, County of Somerset, State of New Jersey, convened in the first a regular session on Monday, May 18, 2009, at 7:30 p.m. in Council Chambers in the new Municipal Complex, 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 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 (arrived 7:48)
Howard Norgalis
Patrick Scaglione
Also Present:
James T. Naples, Township Administrator
Natasha Turchan, Director of Finance
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 Norgalis, seconded by Councilman Albano, the minutes from the regular session of May 4, 2009 were approved. The vote was as follows:
Councilman Albano Aye
Councilman Hsing Aye
Councilman Moench Absent
Councilman Norgalis Aye
Council President Scaglione Aye
The closed session minutes of May 4, 2009, sessions 1 and 2 were approved.
Councilman Norgalis reported he attended an Open Space Meeting on May 4th. He added the Open Space Committee as a whole was in favor of presenting a referendum to the voters during the General Election to continue Open Space Planning. The Open Space Committee recommended the continuation of a five year plan instead of the ten year plan which sunsets at the end of this year. The Committee recommended 1% for the first year then 2% for the remaining four.
Councilman Norgalis reported on May 6th he attended the Somerset County Business Partnership Award meeting honoring Dick Williams, Somerset County Administrator and Sanofi-Aventis.
Councilman Norgalis reported on May 6th, he attended the “Every Fifteen Minutes” presentation sponsored by the Police Department. He added Mayor Liptak of Raritan also attended. Councilman Norgalis added the presentation was in two parts on May 6th, there was an auto accident with a fatality and extrication, the following morning the seniors came out and heard the victim and mother of another victim read a final letter to their families. Councilman Norgalis said the two part presentation seemed to make an impact on the students.
Councilman Norgalis attended the Municipal Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on May 7th for the new Police and Court facilities.
Councilman Norgalis reported on May 13th, he together with Councilman Matthew Moench attended the SCGOA Dinner. Councilman Norgalis stated there was an excellent presentation by the Somerset County Grants Coordinator.
Councilman Norgalis reported on Saturday, May 16th, he attended the Rutgers Bloustein School for the Municipal Budget Process course.
Councilman Hsing reported on Sunday, May 17th, he attended the Somerset County Asian American Heritage Month Celebration held at the Ukranian Culture Center in Franklin Township. Councilman Hsing added he was the founder and chairman of this event seven years ago and was proud to see all in attendance. Councilman Hsing stated this year’s event had 800 or more people in attendance enjoying singing, dancing, Asian foods and displays. Councilman Hsing mentioned in particular the face changing performance stating it was spectacular and unusual to experience.
Council President Scaglione reported he attended the SCGOA Dinner where the speaker was reviewing and discussing grants. Council President stated some of the members expressed concern over the complexity in preparing these applications. Council President offered for them to contact our Administration which may be able to assist in the grant writing as a shared service.
Council President Scaglione reported Saturday, May 16th he attended the Charter Day Festival in Bernards Township. Council President added this event had thousands of people in attendance and as such made him think about the Township’s Halloween Festival and whether Bridgewater will be sponsoring the event next year.
Mr. Naples said he was unable to commit whether the Township would hold the Halloween Festival this year due to the municipal complex construction schedule.
Mr. Naples reported Council will receive this week a packet on the Plan Endorsement Program submitted by the Planning Board. He added after review a resolution will be prepared for Council’s consideration.
Mr. Naples reported Mayor Flannery met with the NJLM - Mayor’s Advisory Committee to further discuss COAH, he added the Committee plans to meet with the Governor to press their concerns.
Mr. Naples reported the Mayor attended a meeting with Congressman Lance who hosted the “National Center for Abused and Exploited Children Program” at Somerset Bridgewater Library.
Mr. Naples reported Mayor Flannery attended the “Celebrate New Jersey Ceremony” at Raritan Valley Community College where they honored several Bridgewater fourth grade students who wrote essay’s on what New Jersey means to them.
Council President Scaglione requested Legal review the recommendation from the Open Space Committee to consider preparing a referendum question for the ballot, and whether the percentage rate can be different for the first year and or whether the rate can be variable based on the property values.
In further discussion Council was in consensus they would support a rate no higher than 2% for the Open Space Referendum.
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Discussion
Hazardous Waste – Ordinance |
AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWNSHIP OF BRIDGEWATER CREATING A CHAPTER 40 WITHIN PART I (ADMINISTRATIVE LEGISLATION) OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE OF THE TOWNSHIP OF BRIDGEWATER ENTITLED“DISCHARGES OF HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES: CLEANUP AND REIMBURSEMENT” FOR THE PURPOSE OF AUTHORIZING MUNICIPAL CLEANUP AND MUNICIPAL REIMBURSEMENT OF COSTS FROM THE PERSON OR ENTITY RESPONSIBLE FOR THE DISCHARGE
Councilman Norgalis stated this ordinance was prepared for the purpose of authoring municipal cleanup and municipal reimbursement of costs for itself and its volunteer fire and rescue squad organizations from the person or entity responsible for the discharge. Councilman Norgalis added he supports this ordinance and many of the surrounding municipalities have prepared the same.
Councilman Albano requested legal revisit the language on page 2 with regard to substances to tighten up the definition.
Council President Scaglione offered after further discussion this ordinance be introduced during this session. Council was in favor.
Council President Scaglione added the public hearing and final action of this ordinance will take place in the Court Chambers on May 28, 2009, at 7:30 p.m.
On motion of Councilman Norgalis, second by Councilman Albano, the foregoing resolution was approved for introduction. The vote was as follows:
Councilman Albano Aye
Councilman Hsing Aye
Councilman Moench Absent
Councilman Norgalis Aye
Council President Scaglione Aye
A copy of resolution #09-05-18-139 is appended to the official minutes.
Councilman Moench arrived at 7:48 p.m.
RESOLUTION TO AMEND 2009 MUNICIPAL BUDGET
Council reviewed the 2009 municipal budget amendments at length. Council President Scaglione recognized Mayor Flannery, Administration and Natasha Turchan for working together with Council streamlining the budget for 2009.
Councilman Moench and Councilman Norgalis reiterated the same sentiment as members of the budget sub-committee.
Council President Scaglione read the proposed budget amendment resolution will be presented for public hearing and final action at the Court Chambers located on 100 Commons Way, Bridgewater on May 28, 2009, at 7:30 p.m.
On motion of Councilman Norgalis, second by Councilman Moench, the foregoing resolution was approved for introduction. 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 FOR INTRODUCTION.
A copy of resolution #09-05-18-140 is appended to the official minutes.
On motion of Councilman Moench, seconded by Councilman Norgalis, the meeting was opened to the public.
Michael Trasiano, Troop 154, Pluckemin addressed Council in an effort to complete the requirements for his Communication Badge.
No one else wished to speak.
On motion of Councilman Norgalis, seconded by Councilman Albano, the meeting was closed for public comment.
Council President Scaglione read the resolution by title:
AUTHORIZING PAYMENTS PURSUANT TO AN INTERLOCAL SERVICES AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE TOWNSHIP OF BRIDGEWATER AND THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OF THE BRIDGEWATER RARITAN SCHOOL DISTRICT FOR CUSTODIAL OVERTIME FEES ARISING OUT OF THE USE OF FACILITIES WITHIN THE SCHOOL DISTRICT TOTALING $33,867
Mr. Naples stated the interlocal agreement was authorized last year 2008, in order to process payments for custodial overtime fees incurred by the use of school facilities for the recreation program.
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 RESOLUTION WAS APPROVED.
A copy of resolution #09-05-18-141 is appended to the official minutes.
PLACE TO PLACE EXTENSION OF PREMISE TRANSFER OF CLUB LIQUOR LICENSE #1806-31-033-002 – RARITAN VALLEY COUNTRY CLUB, 747 STATE ROUTE 28, BRIDGEWATER
Daniel Soriano of the firm Soriano & Soriano addressed Council on behalf of the Raritan Valley Country Club. Steven First, Chairman of the Club stated the extension of the license area to certain other buildings was prompted by an expansion to the patio and clubhouse area. Mr. First explained the Club wanted the licensed areas clearly annotated to not only include the renovated clubhouse and extended patio area but also to list the other structures on the property where liquor may be served to include the tennis courts and gazebo area.
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 #09-05-18-142 is appended to the official minutes.
Councilman Moench left the Council Chambers temporarily.
AUTHORIZATION FOR FIREWORKS DISPLAY RARITAN VALLEY COUNTRY CLUB – SATURDAY, JULY 4, 2009 (RAINDATE: JULY 5)
Council reviewed the documents presented by the Raritan Valley Country Club for the firework display and determined all the documents were in order.
On motion of Councilman Hsing, second by Councilman Norgalis, the foregoing resolution was approved. The vote was as follows:
Councilman Albano Aye
Councilman Hsing Aye
Councilman Moench Absent
Councilman Norgalis Aye
Council President Scaglione Aye
THE RESOLUTION WAS APPROVED.
A copy of resolution #09-05-18-143 is appended to the official minutes.
On the motion of Councilman Albano, second of Councilman Norgalis, Council convened in closed session at 8:05 p.m.
BE IT RESOLVED, by the Bridgewater Township Council that this body will now hold a closed meeting to discuss contract negotiations and litigation.
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 Moench, Council reconvened in open session at 8:13 p.m.
On motion of Councilman Albano, seconded by Councilman Norgalis the meeting was adjourned at 8:15 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Linda J. Doyle, RMC
Municipal Clerk
______________________________
Patrick Scaglione
Council President
