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 REORGANIZATION MEETING OF
JANUARY 1, 2008 AT 12 P.M.
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NOTICE OF MEETING
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PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
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INVOCATION
Lynn Santulli – Associate Minister of Pluckemin Presbyterian Church
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CERTIFICATION OF ELECTION
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OATH OF OFFICE
Mayor – Patricia Flannery
Performed by the Honorable Rick Fontana, Somerset County Freeholder and former Bridgewater Township Councilman
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MAYOR’S REPORT
Inaugural Address
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COUNCIL REPORTS
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COUNCIL OUTGOING ADDRESS
Councilman Kurdyla
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OATH OF OFFICE
Councilman – Patrick Scaglione
Performed by the William B. Savo, Bridgewater Township Attorney
Councilman – Matthew C. Moench
Performed by the Honorable Dale Florio, Somerset County Republican Party Chairman
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ROLL CALL
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NEWLY ELECTED COUNCIL MEMBER STATEMENT
Matthew C. Moench
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SELECTION OF COUNCIL PRESIDENT
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COUNCIL PRESIDENT MESSAGE
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MAYOR’S APPOINTMENTS WITHOUT ADVICE AND CONSENT
a) Appointment of Planning Board Members
i. Class I – Mayor Patricia Flannery
ii. Class II – Stephen Rodzinak
iii. Class IV – Alan Fross
iv. Class IV alternate 2 – Daniel Hayes
b) Appointment to the Environmental Commission
i. James Rokosny
c) Appointment to Open Space Advisory Committee
i. Class I (B) Park Board Representative – Roger Pearly
ii. Class I (C) Planning Board Representative – Beth Knapp
iii. Class I (D) Recreation Board Representative – Gregory O’Neil
d) Appointment to Office of Emergency Management
i. Robert Szkodny
e) Appointment of Risk Manager
i. Jaime Rick
f) Appointment to Regional Center Partnership, Plan Endorsement Committee
i. Mayor Patricia Flannery
ii. Councilman Michael Hsing
iii. Township Planner Scarlett Doyle
iv. Andrew Leven
v. Walter Fitzsimmons
vi. John Schmitt
vii. Pamela Ely
g) Appointment toBridgewater / Raritan Youth Services Commission/ Municipal Alliance for Prevention of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse
i. Patricia Flannery
ii. William Veliky
iii. Chris Fischer
iv. Christine Schneider
v. Cathleen Filippello
vi. Alan Iachini
vii. Matt Donovan
viii. Lou Winchock
ix. Megan Moench
x. Rena Strool
xi. Cornelius Hobbs
xii. Lauren Greenberg
h) Appointment to Local Emergency Management Council
i. Robert Szkodny
ii. Mayor Patricia Flannery
iii. James T. Naples, Administrator
iv. Howard Turbowitz
v. Stephen Rodzinak
vi. Robert Hanlon
vii. James Vitale
viii. George Jones
ix. Chris Poulsen
x. Richard J. Borden
xi. John Langel
xii. Don Collins
xiii. Henry Rodrique
xiv. Malcolm Plager
xv. Lawrence Livornese
i) Appointment to Green Brook Flood Control Commission
i. Robert Bogart
j) Appointment to Somerset County Community Development Block Grant Committee
i. William Veliky
ii. Mayor Patricia Flannery – alternate member
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MAYOR’S APPOINTMENTS WITH ADVICE AND CONSENT
a) Appointment of Director of Department of Administration
i. James T. Naples
b) Appointment of Director of Department of Finance / Chief Financial Officer
i. Natasha Turchan
c) Appointment of Director of Department of Human Services
i. Chris Poulsen
d) Appointment of Director of Department of Law Services
i. Award of Professional Service – William B. Savo – Mauro, Savo, Camerino & Grant
e) Appointment of Director of Department of Municipal Services
i. Robert Bogart
f) Appointment of Director of Department of Police
i. Richard Borden
g) Appointment of Division of Planning
i. Award of Professional Service – Scarlett Doyle - John Cilo, Jr.
h) Appointment of Public Defender
i. William T. Cooper III
i) Appointment to Cable TV Franchise Advisory Committee
i. James T. Naples
j) Appointment to Creative Art Committee
i. Phyllis Konen
ii. James Laubach
iii. Diana Wilkoc Patten
iv. Mary Austin (unexpired term of Sylvia Maria Glesmann ’09)
v. Alicia Martinez
k) Appointment to Economic Development Committee
i. Rose Evans
ii. Charles Harrison
iii. Paul Cernuto
l) Appointment to Health Advisory Board
i. Dr. Eugene Yuliano
m) Appointment to Housing Advisory Board
i. Carl Schulz
ii. Kenneth Stewart, Jr.
n) Appointment to Local Assistance Board
i. Patricia Whitehead
o) Appointment to Park Board
i. Roger Pearly
p) Appointment to Recreation Advisory Board
i. Donald Staffin
ii. Gregory O’Neil
iii. Gordon Wurmstich
q) Appointment to Shade Tree Committee
i. Adele Gugliotta
ii. Caroline M. Bosland
iii. Matthew Rodda
r) Appointment to Wildlife Management Oversight Advisory Committee
i. William Sauer
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COUNCIL APPOINTMENTS
a) Appointment of Auditor
i. Robert B. Cagnassola -Suplee, Clooney & Co.
b) Authorizing Award of Professional Service Contract to Gibbons, P.C., Bond Counsel
c) Appointment of Township Clerk
i. Linda J. Doyle
d) Appointment of Township Deputy Clerk
i. Hector A. Herrera
e) Appointment of Assessment Search Officer
i. Linda J. Doyle
f) Appointment of Tax Search Officer
i. Darrow Murdock
g) Appointment of Class III Planning Board Member
i. Patrick Scaglione
h) Appointments to Board of Adjustment
i. George Harlan
ii. Paul Riga – alternate member #1
i) Green Brook Flood Control Commission
i. Howard Norgalis
ii. Robert Albano
j) Appointments of Cable TV Franchise Advisory Committee
i. Taiho Chang
ii. Peter Sepesi
iii. Paul R. Stevens
iv. Robert Albano
v. Howard Norgalis
k) Appointments to Open Space Advisory Committee
i. Class II(A) Howard Norgalis
ii. Class II(B) Beth Powers
iii. Class II(B) Allen Kurdyla
l) Appointments to the 2008 Somerset County Community Development Block Grant Committee
i. Patrick Scaglione
ii. Howard Norgalis – alternate member
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OATHS OF OFFICE
administered by William Savo, Township Attorney
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RESOLUTIONS
a) General Business
b) Schedule of Meetings
c) 2008 Cash Management Plan
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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.
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ADJOURNMENT
12/28/07
MINUTES OF THE BRIDGEWATER TOWNSHIP COUNCIL
JANUARY 1, 2008 SOMERSET COUNTY LIBRARY
REORGANIZATION MEETING
The Township Council of the Township of Bridgewater, County of Somerset, State of New Jersey, convened in regular session and reorganization on Tuesday, January 1, 2008, at noon, in the Somerset County/Bridgewater Library located at 1 Vogt Drive, Bridgewater, New Jersey.
Councilman Scaglione stated Council President Albano was unable to attend the Reorganization meeting and asked him to act as Council President in his absence.
Acting Council President Scaglione opened the meeting.
Acting 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 December 19, 2007, by sending written notice to the Courier News and The Reporter; posting on the bulletin board in the Municipal Building and filing with the Township Clerk.”
Acting Council President Scaglione led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Acting Council President Scaglione recognized the following dignitaries in the audience: Somerset County Freeholder Rick Fontana, County Republican Chairman Dale Florio, Freeholder Robert Zaborowski, former Bridgewater Councilman Charles Harrison, Director of Municipal Services Robert Bogart, Superintendent of Public Works John Langel, Director of Human Services Chris Poulsen, Director of Finance Natasha Turchan, Superintendent of Recreation Christine Schneider, Somerset County Sheriff Frank Provenzano, State Assemblywoman Denise Coyle, Chief of Police Richard Borden, and Congressman Rodney Frelinghuysen
On call of the roll the following Council members were present:
Michael P. Hsing
Allen Kurdyla
Howard V. Norgalis
Patrick Scaglione
Robert E. Albano (absent)
Also Present: Patricia Flannery, Mayor
James T. Naples, Township Administrator
William Savo, Township Attorney
Linda J. Doyle, Township Clerk
Hector A. Herrera, Deputy Township Clerk
Associate Minister of the Pluckemin Presbyterian Church Lynn Santulli gave the invocation.
The invocation is attached to the minutes.
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Certification of Election |
Certification of Election
Ms. Linda Doyle read the following Certification of Election:
A statement of the determination of the Board of Canvassers of Somerset County, New Jersey, relative to an Election held in the County of Somerset on November 6, 2007, for the election of the following mentioned officers of the Township of Bridgewater:
One four year Mayoral seat
Two four year Township Council seats
The said Board does determine that at said Election
Patricia Flannery, Mayor
Patrick Scaglione, Township Council
Matthew C. Moench, Township Council
were duly elected.
I DO HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing is a true, full and correct statement of the determination of the Board of Canvassers of Somerset County, New Jersey. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand November 14, 2007. – Frederick Quick, Chairman, County Board of Canvassers.
Somerset County Board of Chosen Freeholder Deputy Director Rick Fontana administered the Oath of Office for Mayor to Patricia Flannery.
Mayor Flannery gave the annual State of the Township address.
The address is attached to the minutes.
Outgoing Councilman Kurdyla gave a brief statement. He thanked his fellow Council members, thanked Mayor Flannery and welcomed Councilman Moench to the Council.
The address is attached to the minutes.
Mr. Savo administered the Oath of Office to Councilman Scaglione.
Councilman Scaglione stated he was honored to be sworn in for a third term as Councilman. He added it is his pleasure to serve the people of Bridgewater. Councilman Scaglione said he and his family will be moving to a new house in Bridgewater. He thanked everyone who has attended and he will do the best of his ability to earn their continued support for the upcoming four years.
Somerset County Republican Party Chairman Dale Florio administered the Oath of Office to Councilman Moench.
Councilman Moench thanked everyone for attending. He stated he looks forward to working with Council and Mayor Flannery. He added it was an honor to run for office with Mayor Flannery and Patrick Scaglione. He thanked his family and fiancée Stephanie for their continued support. Councilman Moench acknowledged the appointments to the boards and committees and stated he looks forward to meeting and working with them.
On call of the roll the following Council members were present:
Robert E. Albano (Absent)
Michael Hsing
Matthew Moench
Patrick Scaglione
Howard Norgalis
Also Present: Patricia Flannery, Mayor
James T. Naples, Township Administrator
William B. Savo, Township Attorney
Linda J. Doyle, Municipal Clerk
Hector A. Herrera, Deputy Township Clerk
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Selection of Council President |
SELECTION OF COUNCIL PRESIDENT
Acting Council President Patrick Scaglione nominated Councilman Norgalis to serve as Council President for 2008. Councilman Hsing seconded the motion.
The vote on the forgoing motion was as follows:
Councilman Albano Absent
Councilman Hsing Aye
Councilman Moench Aye
Councilman Scaglione Aye
Council President Norgalis Abstain
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Selection of Council President |
Council President Norgalis called the meeting to order and presented the following message.
I want to thank Patrick for the nomination and my fellow Councilmen for electing me President for the year 2008. It is an honor that I do not take lightly. I would be remiss if I did not also thank my dear wife Pam for her unwavering support of not only my Council work but also of my other volunteer activities. Two years ago she said, in no small jest, “just tell me when you will home, it’s easier to keep track of.” One last Thank You – Linda Doyle and Hector Herrera are familiar sights to you however, the true face of Bridgewater Township is through Kathy and Grace who meet the public in the Clerk’s Office. I would ask Linda, Hector, Kathy and Grace to stand and wave to the audience.
One of the tough parts about being the last speaker late in a series of speakers is you do not really know how much ground is going to be covered by others. Most of the good stuff may already be taken. But here goes:
When Pam and I first moved to Bridgewater, three decades ago, it was a town with an identity crisis. We were not listed on any maps; we did not have a library or a post office; or even a main street. We have come a long, long way. We are now a well-thought-of community and everyone knows our name and where we are. All roads lead here: be they 22, 202/206 287 or 78. Many residents would like those same roads to lead away.
We are a blessed Township in many ways. We have great employees, a wealth of volunteers as shown by today’s gathering, a modern infrastructure in our road and utility networks, we have good schools, a great business environment as evidenced by the array of large well capitalized corporations that chose to locate here. But we have reached the point where we are fairly well developed and there are no longer vast expanses of open space for either residential or business development. As a Zoning Board member years ago, later as chairman of the Planning Board and now as Councilman I have seen – WE ALL have seen – the last ten years as the end of what I will call the “rapid expansion of Bridgewater.” As a mature community, there will still be many opportunities for controlled growth. You will still see new businesses and new homes but it will be small compared to the flood of development of years past.
We on the Council, working with the administration, have the opportunity to do a great deal to nurture the quality of life in out Township in 2008. We need to continue to reflect upon our Master Plan, our land-use documents and ordinances, which should be viewed as living documents. They should be updated as necessary to reflect the long-term, future needs of our community. We should and will continue to pursue cooperative ventures and arrangements with other towns, with the Somerset County Business Partnership and with Somerset County to achieve those objectives that would be impossible or too costly to achieve on our own.
I pledge, as Council President for 2008 to continue to have the Bridgewater Township Council viewed by residents and non-residents alike as an honest, fair-minded and open to the public, part of the government.
May God bless our Town, our State and the good old U.S.A.
Thank you.
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Mayor Appointments without Advice and Consent |
Council President Norgalis invited the appointments as named for each individual board or committee to stand to be recognized.
Council President Norgalis read the Mayor’s appointments without advice and consent as follows:
APPOINTMENT OF PLANNING BOARD MEMBERS
Class I – Mayor Patricia Flannery
Class II – Stephen Rodzinak
Class IV – Alan Fross
Class IV alternate 2 – Daniel Hayes
APPOINTMENT TO THE ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION
James Rokosny
APPOINTMENT TO OPEN SPACE ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Class I (B) Park Board Representative – Roger Pearly
Class I (C) Planning Board Representative – Beth Knapp
Class I (D) Recreation Board Representative – Gregory O’Neil
APPOINTMENT TO OFFICE OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
Robert Szkodny
APPOINTMENT OF RISK MANAGER
Jaime Rick
APPOINTMENT TO REGIONAL CENTER PARTNERSHIP, PLAN ENDORSEMENT COMMITTEE
Mayor Patricia Flannery
Councilman Michael Hsing
Township Planner Scarlett Doyle
Andrew Leven
Walter Fitzsimmons
John Schmitt
Pamela Ely
APPOINTMENT TOBRIDGEWATER / RARITAN YOUTH SERVICES COMMISSION/ MUNICIPAL ALLIANCE FOR PREVENTION OF ALCOHOLISM AND DRUG ABUSE
Patricia Flannery
William Veliky
Chris Fischer
Christine Schneider
Cathleen Filippello
Alan Iachini
Matt Donovan
Lou Winchock
Megan Moench
Rena Strool
Cornelius Hobbs
Lauren Greenberg
APPOINTMENT TO LOCAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT COUNCIL
Robert Szkodny
Mayor Patricia Flannery
James T. Naples, Administrator
Howard Turbowitz
Stephen Rodzinak
Robert Hanlon
James Vitale
George Jones
Chris Poulsen
Richard J. Borden
John Langel
Don Collins
Henry Rodrique
Malcolm Plager
Lawrence Livornese
APPOINTMENT TO GREEN BROOK FLOOD CONTROL COMMISSION
Robert Bogart
APPOINTMENT TO SOMERSET COUNTY COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT COMMITTEE
William Veliky
Mayor Patricia Flannery – alternate member
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Mayor Appointments with Advice and Consent |
Council President Norgalis read the Mayoral Appointments with Advice and Consent as follows:
APPOINTMENT OF DIRECTOR OF DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION
James T. Naples
APPOINTMENT of Director of Department of Finance / Chief Financial Officer
Natasha Turchan
APPOINTMENT OF DIRECTOR OF DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES
Chris Poulsen
APPOINTMENT OF DIRECTOR OF DEPARTMENT OF LAW SERVICES
Award of Professional Service – William B. Savo – Mauro, Savo, Camerino & Grant
APPOINTMENT OF DIRECTOR OF DEPARTMENT OF MUNICIPAL SERVICES
Robert Bogart
APPOINTMENT OF DIRECTOR OF DEPARTMENT OF POLICE
Richard Borden
APPOINTMENT OF DIVISION OF PLANNING
Award of Professional Service – Scarlett Doyle - John Cilo, Jr.
APPOINTMENT OF PUBLIC DEFENDER
William T. Cooper III
APPOINTMENT TO CABLE TV FRANCHISE ADVISORY COMMITTEE
James T. Naples
APPOINTMENT TO CREATIVE ART COMMITTEE
Phyllis Konen
James Laubach
Diana Wilkoc Patten
Mary Austin
Alicia Martinez
APPOINTMENT TO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Rose Evans
Charles Harrison
Paul Cernuto
APPOINTMENT TO HEALTH ADVISORY BOARD
Dr. Eugene Yuliano
APPOINTMENT TO HOUSING ADVISORY BOARD
Carl Schulz
Kenneth Stewart, Jr.
APPOINTMENT TO LOCAL ASSISTANCE BOARD
Patricia Whitehead
APPOINTMENT TO PARK BOARD
Roger Pearly
APPOINTMENT TO RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD
Donald Staffin
Gregory O’Neil
Gordon Wurmstich
APPOINTMENT TO SHADE TREE COMMITTEE
Adele Gugliotta
Caroline M. Bosland
Matthew Rodda
APPOINTMENT TO WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT OVERSIGHT ADVISORY COMMITTEE
William Sauer
On motion of Councilman Hsing, second of Councilman Scaglione, the resolutions were approved.The vote was as follows:
Councilman Albano Absent
Councilman Hsing Aye
Councilman Moench Aye
Councilman Scaglione Aye
Council President Norgalis Aye
THE RESOLUTIONS FOR GENERAL BUSINESS WERE APPROVED.
A copy of resolutions #08-01-01-001 through #08-01-01-018 are appended to the official minutes.
Council President Norgalis read the following Council appointments as follows:
APPOINTMENT OF AUDITOR
Robert B. Cagnassola -Suplee, Clooney & Co
.
AUTHORIZING AWARD OF PROFESSIONAL SERVICE CONTRACT TO GIBBONS, P.C., BOND COUNSEL
APPOINTMENT OF TOWNSHIP CLERK
Linda J. Doyle
APPOINTMENT OF TOWNSHIP DEPUTY CLERK
Hector A. Herrera.
APPOINTMENT OF ASSESSMENT SEARCH OFFICER
Linda J. Doyle
APPOINTMENT OF TAX SEARCH OFFICER
Darrow Murdock
APPOINTMENT OF CLASS III PLANNING BOARD MEMBER
Patrick Scaglione
APPOINTMENTS TO BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT
George Harlan
Paul Riga – alternate member #1
GREEN BROOK FLOOD CONTROL COMMISSION
Howard Norgalis
Robert Albano
APPOINTMENTS OF CABLE TV FRANCHISE ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Taiho Chang
Peter Sepesi
Paul R. Stevens
Robert Albano
Howard Norgalis
APPOINTMENTS TO OPEN SPACE ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Class II (A) Howard Norgalis
Class II (B) Beth Powers
Class II (B) Allen Kurdyla
APPOINTMENTS TO THE 2008 SOMERSET COUNTY COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT COMMITTEE
Patrick Scaglione
Howard Norgalis – alternate member
Mr. Savo administered the Oaths of Office for the boards and committees.
On motion of Councilman Hsing, second of Councilman Scaglione, the resolutions were approved.The vote was as follows:
Councilman Albano Absent
Councilman Hsing Aye
Councilman Moench Aye
Councilman Scaglione Aye
Council President Norgalis Aye
A copy of resolutions #08-01-01-019 through #08-01-01-030 are appended to the official minutes.
The Township Clerk read the following resolutions by title.
On motion of Council President Norgalis, second of Councilman Scaglione, Council was in consensus to vote on the Business Resolutions in consent.
GENERAL BUSINESS
Council President Norgalis explained to the public the foregoing resolution authorizes and designates business for the year 2008.
SCHEDULE OF MEETINGS
Council President Norgalis stated the Township Council meetings will be posted on the website and the community bulletin board in the Municipal Building.
2008 CASH MANAGEMENT PLAN
The foregoing resolution designates the depositories used by the Township for the year 2008.
On motion of Councilman Hsing, second of Councilman Scaglione, the resolutions were approved.The vote was as follows:
Councilman Albano Absent
Councilman Hsing Aye
Councilman Moench Aye
Councilman Scaglione Aye
Council President Norgalis Aye
THE RESOLUTIONS FOR GENERAL BUSINESS WERE APPROVED.
A copy of resolutions #08-01-01-031 through #08-01-01-033 are appended to the official minutes.
On motion of Councilman Scaglione, seconded by Councilman Moench the meeting was opened to the public.
No one wished to be heard.
On motion of Councilman Scaglione, seconded by Councilman Hsing the public portion of the meeting was closed.
On motion of Councilman Scaglione, second of Councilman Hsing, and unanimous voice vote, the meeting adjourned at 12:58 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Linda J. Doyle, RMC
Municipal Clerk
___________________________
Howard Norgalis
Council President
INVOCATION – Lynn Santulli
Lord of all Life, creator of the universe,
You have set the worlds in motion and created humankind to be stewards of your world.
We pray for our world, for our nation and our community. You have given us this land as our heritage and pray that we may come together as a people from all backgrounds and faiths to build a community where all are welcomed and respected, where a greater good can be lived out in peace and goodwill.
May the energy, wisdom and intelligence of all her citizens and friends, and especially her leaders, be forged into a unifying vision that exceeds our expectations, and leads to a community that is truly a model for others to emulate.
And so we pray for this township of Bridgewater and ask you to bless this community.
We pray for those who will assume office, for your spirit to rest upon them.
Grant them wisdom and energy to perform the tasks to which you have called them,
Grant them the courage to stand for what is right, and the integrity to know its truth
Grant them diligence that they may not falter from the work you have placed before them
Grant them compassion and vision to lead this community into greater good
Grant them the support of family, friends and colleagues to sustain them in their work
Grant them a spirit of service that informs their leadership and opens their eyes to people’s needs
Almighty God, we offer prayers of thanksgiving for their hearts of service and leadership and ask you to bless them into this their calling that they may do their work in a spirit of wisdom, kindness and justice. Help them use their authority to serve faithfully and to promote the general welfare of all.
We thank you Lord, for the blessings you have given us—the resources you have gifted us with, the people you have created and brought together to serve in this time and in this place. May all we do, and all we say, and all we envision as a community represent the best we have to offer you in humble recognition of the great gifts you have given us, and the honor of being your stewards in this time and place.
Hear our prayers…one God, eternal and everlasting Amen.
2008 INAUGURAL MESSAGE – Mayor Flannery
Council Members, family, friends, residents, honored guests, and Township staff, first let me wish you all a healthy and happy New Year. I have always been inspired by the patriotism and dedication demonstrated over the centuries by our forefathers and public officials. The willingness to give of themselves to make our country a better place has been the inspiration behind my commitment to public service. The tremendous support, interest and active participation demonstrated from within this community has deepened my sense of dedication and appreciation for public service. As Mayor, the ability to assist our residents with their concerns and make a direct positive impact on their lives is the most satisfying and fulfilling aspect of the job.
Recently one of our Congressmen told a story where he had returned to the district for a town meeting. A lady in the audience patiently waited to ask her question and proceeded to ask the Congressman for assistance in addressing a problem with increasing traffic in her neighborhood. As the Congressman reflected upon her request the lady interrupted his thoughts and said on second thought this might be above your level, maybe I should go right to the Mayor.I can’t verify the truth of this story, but I can vouch for its accuracy. In any community the Mayor’s office is seen as the place to go when you want answers. Whether it’s a problem with your neighbor, concerns with property taxes, having your street cleaned, being upset with the Governor, or even the President, or something as simple as the how thin the local supermarket is slicing its cold cuts, when in doubt go see the Mayor. I say this not as a complaint, because truly that is one aspect of the job that keeps things interesting and every day offers a new challenge.
When first elected as Mayor four years ago, I set out to control development, stabilize taxes and begin work on the new municipal complex. Today’s swearing in to serve a second term validates the hard work and accomplishments we have achieved together and allows us to continue this course to keep Bridgewater the pride of Somerset County and New Jersey.
Controlling development has been accomplished through the time consuming revision of the Township Master Plan, and the passing of ordinances that reflect this new vision. We now have in place ordinances which protect existing homeowners from future development by increasing setbacks and buffers, adding landscaping requirements, and controlling the allowable building size on a property. These changes are fundamental to maintaining the suburban community character of our Township.
The members of our Planning and Zoning Boards are volunteer residents who sacrifice their time to insure that all development applications are judged on their merits and approvals granted when appropriate. Their dedicated service to the Township is greatly appreciated and I am glad for the opportunity to recognize their efforts each year at this annual meeting as we do today.
Hand in hand with controlling development we must also seek out those commercial ratables which stabilize our tax base and provide jobs and services for our residents. During my first term I established the Economic Development Committee and hired an Economic Development Officer whose collective successes can be seen through several large employers expanding their services in the Township. sanofi aventis has established Bridgewater as their USA headquarters, Johnson and Johnson has expanded operations of their subsidiaries and the Bridgewater Commons Mall has constructed the award winning Lifestyles Center. Newcomers to Bridgewater include Qualcomm, and Goldman Sachs.
Although I talk about these Boards, there are many boards and committees whose efforts are demonstrated throughout the Township. I would like to take a moment to recognize the contributions of one individual who has served more than 20 years on the Township’s Housing Advisory Board, Jack Stine. Recent headlines have made the Governor’s plan for increased affordable housing opportunities newsworthy, but here in Bridgewater we have been fortunate over the last two decades to have the volunteer services of Jack Stine. Jack is an individual who embodies the ethical, even handed, analytical approach to achieving affordable housing opportunities for our entire community and senior citizens in particular. His involvement with the creation and construction of Centerbridge I and II was instrumental in making these facilities a reality. Please join me in thanking Jack for his outstanding service to the township over the last 20 years.
During the campaign season the most common and compelling theme we heard when knocking on doors was the burden felt by increasing property taxes. Municipal services consume just 11% of your property tax bill, but, we continue to examine each service provided to our residents to maintain cost efficiency. We are fortunate to have the lowest tax rate in Somerset County coupled with an excellent education system. To maintain cost efficiency we have cut township operating costs by reducing the municipal fleet, eliminated telephone lines, streamlined legal and planning services and utilized technology to increase services without adding overhead among other things.
Unfortunately, the services provided by the Schools, County and Township continue to be burdened by State and Federal mandates for which they provide no funding. That leaves local property taxes to support these programs. Unless these mandates are fully funded the burden on local property taxes will continue to increase.
The construction of the municipal complex will be completed during this term and we will see the benefits of energy efficient office space and improved public space for resident use and enjoyment. The police and court facilities will replace the aged and undersized building they currently occupy, while the municipal building will be renovated and upgraded to restore its efficiency while maintaining the character and aesthetics of the old school building. The completed facility will be Leadership in Energy Efficient Design (LEED) certified, one of the first municipal facilities in the State to receive this prestigious designation.
The next four yearswill see a continuation of work to control development and taxes, themes which have dominated our agenda and continue to be the main concerns of our residents. In addition, we will work with all of the organized sports groups and our recreation department to add new playing fields to our inventory. Improvements to our roads and drainage facilities will be priorities.
This past year I initiated the Mayors Wellness Challenge in Bridgewater, in conjunction with the statewide effort by the NJ League of Municipalities. This program was started to promote the benefits of healthy living through nutrition and exercise. We have held several successful events and plan to expand our offerings in the near future with programs such as nature walks, 5K runs, nutritional health speakers, and healthy cooking exhibitions. Through the generous support of our corporate residents we have been able to establish a public-private partnership to offer this initiative at no cost to our residents.
We will continue our partnership with the County and the Business Partnership to seek shared service opportunities. These include working with the County to complete the Public Works facility that will provide a unique opportunity to co-locate County and Municipal services at one site. The newly invigorated Library Advisory Board will strengthen our relationship as the main branch in the County library system, a system that is one of the best in the entire state. We will continue to participate in the Regional Center with our neighbors Somerville and Raritan as the Route 22 corridor redevelopment project progresses as well as establishing transportation and greenway linkages for our communities.
As I have stated on numerous occasions none of the above accomplishments would have been possible without a cooperative working relationship with the Council. For the last four years the Council has debated, reviewed and offered constructive changes to the ordinances, resolutions and programs developed by my administration. I appreciate their advice on Township matters and their support of these initiatives plays no small part in their success. I would like to thank Councilmen Albano, Norgalis, Scaglione and Hsing for their service and dedication to Bridgewater. Their depth of knowledge and scrutiny of matters before them improves township services on all levels.
This year we welcome a new member to the Council, Matthew Moench. Matt has demonstrated his work ethic and willingness to address complex issues facing the township during the campaign season and will no doubt be an asset for the Council.
I would also like to recognize the service of departing Councilman Allen Kurdyla. Councilman Kurdyla has been an ardent supporter of open space, and improving the benefits and services available to our volunteer fire and rescue members. His dedicated service and perspective will be difficult to replace.
In closing, first I would like to thank our servicemen and women who continue to sacrifice to preserve our freedom and way of life. Though at times we take these ideals for granted, their efforts on our behalf do not go unappreciated. The recent assassination of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto of Pakistan reminds us again of the volatility in the world and that there still exist many places where citizens long to live in a democracy, with stability and without fear of an oppressive police state. In Iraq and Afghanistan the brave men and women of our armed forces are working side by side with local leaders and disenfranchised citizens to create a democratic society that offers the freedoms and choices we enjoy in America. I ask that you keep them in your thoughts and prayers for their continued safety and courage in the face of what at times seems an insurmountable task.
I give my utmost thanks to my campaign team whose day to day efforts on my behalf made this a winning season- Chris Corsini, Megan Moench, Marsha Harlan, Gail Rosen, and Scott Stephens. In closing, I thank those most important to me, my family, Jim and Katie for their patience and support for me through the numerous hours and meetings this job entails.
I thank all of you for this opportunity to serve you for another term, and I wish you, your families, and our world, peace, health and happiness in the New Year.
OUTGOING ADDRESS – Councilman Kurdyla
I believe that America has always been the Land of Opportunity. Our ancestors came with a vision to create a life with no barriers and unlimited potential. This vision included the dream of having a family, home and a sense of community. It has been my pleasure to serve as a Councilman and while doing so realize my dream of holding Public Office. As a Councilman, it has been my honor to serve Bridgewater and to represent ALL 44,000 residents of our great community.
At this time, I want to thank my fellow Council Members for their commitment to Bridgewater and for maintaining a very professional working relationship. I also want to thank Mayor Flannery for her dedication to Bridgewater and her administration for their assistance at all times. I leave office realizing the commitment required by all. The most important support an elected official can have is the support of family. I am extremely fortunate to have the support of my wife Nancy, daughter Amanda at home, and that of my son’s Allen and Aaron’ extended families. All of their support has enabled me to dedicate the time required to work on behalf of Bridgewater Township.
Additionally I want to recognize all of the residents who have come before the Council and expressed concerns or raised issues; the fact will always remain that at times agreements have been achieved while at other times disagreement prevailed. In any case, I along with all members of the governing body respect the right of individuals to come forward.
As I leave office, I welcome Matt Moench to the Council and certainly wish him the best of luck and good fortune.
Thank you and God Bless America.
