Meeting Minutes From: 1/17/2008

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

JANUARY 17, 2008 AT 7:30 P.M.


1.     NOTICE OF MEETING

2.     ROLL CALL

3.     PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

4.     MINUTES FOR APPROVAL

Regular Session – December 17, 2007

Closed Session – December 17, 2007

Reorganization – January 1, 2008

5.     TOWNSHIP COUNCIL REPORTS

6.     MAYOR’S REPORT

7.     DISCUSSION

Board of Adjustment Vacancy

2008 Council Budget Review Process

8.     PRESENTATION

9.     PUBLIC HEARING AND FINAL ACTION ORDINANCES

10. INTRODUCTION OF NEW ORDINANCES

a)    An Ordinance of the Township of Bridgewater Amending Chapter 126 (Land Use) Section 126-35 (Schedule of Fees), Subsection A 4 (A)

11. RESOLUTIONS

a)    2008 Temporary Budget – Current Fund

b)    2008 Temporary Budget – Sewer Utility

c)     Appointment to the Somerset Raritan Valley Sewerage Authority

d)    Authorizing Change Order # 1, Acceptance of Project, Release of Performance Bond and Acceptance of Maintenance Bond for the 2006 Road Overlay and Improvement Project

e)    Authorization to Execute an Agreement for $385,209.35 With the Board of Chosen Freeholders of Somerset County for 2008 Recycling Collection at 16,151 Residential Locations at $23.85 Per Location

f)      Authorizing Execution of a Developer’s Agreement Between the Township of Bridgewater and Bal Middlebrook Crossing Operating as Brandywine Assisted Living Located at 2006 US Highway 22 West (Block 821, Lot 24)

g)    Authorizing Execution of a Developer’s Agreement Between the Township of Bridgewater and Rakesh Kumar, for a Business in the M-1B Zone, Located at 1068 US Highway 22 East (Block 205, Lot 1)

h)    Authorizing Execution of a Developer’s Agreement Between the Township of Bridgewater and Karen Rosamilia for a Business in the C-3 Zone Located at 559 Route 28 (Block 400, Lot 25)

i)       Authorizing Release of the Performance Guarantee and Acceptance of the Maintenance Guarantee for Raritan Valley Self Storage (Pizzo, Pizzo, Braco, LLC), Located At 611 Route 28 (Block 400, Lots 19, 20, 21, and 22)

j)       A Authorizing Release of Performance Guarantees and Road Improvements for Pine Hill Estates of Bridgewater Located on Dumont Court - American Developers of New Jersey, LLC (Major Subdivision of Block 427, Lots 20, 21, & 22)

k)     Authorizing Execution of a 2008 Agreement with the Community Visiting Nurses Association for Public Health Nursing Services in the Amount of $6,930

l)       Authorizing Execution of a Loan Agreement with Raritan Valley Habitat for Humanity (“RVHH”) Toward the Acquisition and Development of RVHH Property Known as Block 300 Lot 14 in the Township of Bridgewater

m)  Award of Fair and Open Professional Service Contracts for Capital and Land Use Engineering Inspections

n)    Waiver of Fire Permit Fee for the Somerset Bengali Association to Hold a Children’s Cultural Talent Show at Adamsville School on February 9, 2008

o)    Appointments of Alternate Members to the Board of Adjustment

p)    Confirming Fees for Airport Litigation for the Period of 1/15/2007 through 12/31/2007 as $40,462

q)    Authorizing Employment of Special Counsel

12. 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.

13. REPORTS

Clerk Report – November and December 2007

14. CLOSED SESSION

Land Acquisition

Litigation

Personnel

15.   ADJOURNMENT

Revised 01/18/08

MINUTES OF THE BRIDGEWATER TOWNSHIP COUNCIL

JANUARY 17, 2008          COUNCIL CHAMBERS

The Township Council of the Township of Bridgewater, County of Somerset, State of New Jersey, convened in a regular session on Thursday, January 17, 2008, at 7:30 p.m. in Council Chambers in the Municipal Annex, Bridgewater, New Jersey.

Council President Norgalis read the following announcement:

Notice of Meeting

In compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act of New Jersey, adequate notice of this meeting was provided on January 7, 2008, by sending written and electronic notice to the Courier News and The Reporter; 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

Patrick Scaglione

Howard V. Norgalis

Also Present:                    James T. Naples, Administrator

Robert Bogart, Director of Municipal Services

Natasha Turchan, Director of Finance

William B. Savo, Township Attorney

Linda J. Doyle, Township Clerk

Hector A. Herrera, Deputy Township Clerk

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

Minutes for Approval

On the motion of Councilman Albano, second of Councilman Hsing, the regular session meeting minutes of December 17, 2007, and the reorganization meeting minutes of January 1, 2008, were approved.

The closed session minutes of December 17, 2007, was approved.

Council Reports

Councilman Albano extended his regrets for not being able to attend the reorganization meeting and wished all a happy new year.  He reported he saw Mayor Flannery with Governor Jon Corzine at the Mayors Legislative Day held in Trenton.

Councilman Scaglione reported snow was accumulating on Papen Road and Mountain Top Road and stated he came to the meeting via Mine Road.  He acknowledged the Public Works Department for the roadway being clear.

Councilman Scaglione also stated the Communications Advisory Committee should address the lack of cellular signal in the Martinsville section of the Township near the Warren boundary.

Mr. Naples stated a few residents have expressed the same concern with the lack of cellular service in that section of town.  A meeting is being scheduled with Verizon to discuss additional cellular service in that area.

Councilman Hsing reported New Jersey State Senator Walter Kavanaugh recently passed away.  He acknowledged Senator Kavanaugh’s years of service and stated he was a well respected leader in the community and in society.

Councilman Moench reported he attended Governor Corzine’s State of the State Address in Trenton.  He also attended the swearing in of the Senate and Assembly members.

Council President Norgalis reported he attended the Somerset County Freeholder’s meeting where the board read a pronouncement that detailed Senator Kavanaugh’s accomplishments.

Council President Norgalis thanked the Clerk’s office for their diligent work on the success of the reorganization meeting.  He stated he received many compliments on the ceremony.

Council President Norgalis recognized the check he and the Mayor received in the amount of $300,000 from the Somerset County Freeholder’s office for the acquisition of block 701, lot 5 partial, commonly known as the Musialowski property at 1734 Washington Valley Road.

Mayor’s Report

Mr. Naples reported Mayor Flannery attended the Mayor’s Legislative Day. 

Mr. Naples reported Mayor Flannery coordinated and attended the Regional Center Partnership meeting where a presentation was given by the Somerset County Planning Board on the Route 22 sustainable corridor.

Mr. Naples reported Mayor Flannery has attended several of the fire and rescue squad reorganization dinners.

Mr. Naples reported the Mayor received a letter regarding the economic development of an 18-acre parcel across from the Chimney Rock Inn which Somerset County is acquiring from Stavola.  He added the Mayor has asked to formulate a committee consisting of herself, Economic Development Officer Howard Turbowitz and a Council person.  She would like the committee to meet with Somerset County representatives to discuss the County’s intent for use of this parcel.  Councilman Scaglione volunteered to participate in the meeting.

Mr. Naples reported he received a letter from sanofi-aventis inviting the Governing Body on a tour of their facility.  They requested the tour be set up for early spring.

Mr. Naples reported Mayor Flannery, Police Chief Borden, Somerset County Prosecutor Wayne Forrest and Bridgewater Police Department members of the Youth Services Commission attended the 5th grade DARE graduation held at Hillside School.

Discussion

BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT VACANCY

Council discussed a replacement on the Board of Adjustment for the seat vacated by Councilman Moench.  Council President Norgalis suggested Council form two-member subcommittee to review potential candidates and inform the candidates of what is expected of members of the Board of Adjustment including scheduling of meetings and obligations. Councilmen Scaglione and Moench will constitute that committee.

Councilman Scaglione stated he had spoken to person that recently attended a Board of Adjustment meeting for the first time and he commented on the diligence of the Board and applications before them.  Councilman Scaglione explained the members receive a packet a week in advance and may spend hours preparing for the application to be heard.

Councilman Moench stated he received a compliment about the proficiency of George Harlan and the Board of Adjustment.

2008 COUNCIL BUDGET REVIEW PROCESS

Council President Norgalis requested Council direct guideline suggestions to him so he can incorporate them into a process.  Council was in consensus to have the budget presentations scheduled on Council meeting dates from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.  The participating departments will include Police, Public Works, Recreation, Court, Engineering, Health and Welfare, Tax Collection, Tax Assessment, Planning, Code Enforcement, Fire Safety, and Legal.

Introduction of Ordinance

The Clerk read the following Ordinance by Title:

AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWNSHIP OF BRIDGEWATER AMENDING CHAPTER 126 (LAND USE) SECTION 126-35 (SCHEDULE OF FEES), SUBSECTION A 4 (a)

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the said pending ordinance be passed on first reading and advertised as required by statute fixing the 4th day of February, 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.

FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Township Clerk forward this ordinance to the Bridgewater Township Planning Board for their review and recommendation.

Mr. Naples stated this ordinance provides for a method of charging for a municipal professional or employee to review applications and preparation of documents for development review.

Council President Norgalis added for Township employees, the hourly rate shall be 200% of the employee’s hourly base salary.

On motion of Councilman Hsing, second by Councilman Scaglione, the resolution was approved.  The vote was as follows:

Councilman Albano                                Aye

Councilman Hsing                                 Aye

Councilman Moench                              Aye

Councilman Scaglione                           Aye

Council President Norgalis                     Aye

THE ORDINANCE WAS INTRODUCED.

A copy of resolution #08-01-17-034 is appended to the official minutes.

Resolutions

2008 TEMPORARY BUDGET – CURRENT FUND

2008 TEMPORARY BUDGET – SEWER UTILITY

Mr. Naples explained the temporary budget appropriations do not exceed 26.25% of the total appropriations in the 2007 budget.  The temporary budget continues operations for the first quarter of the year, prior to the adoption of the 2008 municipal budget.

On motion of Councilman Albano, second by Councilman Hsing, the resolution was approved.  The vote was as follows:

Councilman Albano                                Aye

Councilman Hsing                                 Aye

Councilman Moench                              Aye

Councilman Scaglione                           Aye

Council President Norgalis                     Aye

THE RESOLUTIONS WERE APPROVED.

Copies of resolutions #08-01-17-035 and #08-01-17-036 are appended to the official minutes.

APPOINTMENT TO THE SOMERSET RARITAN VALLEY SEWERAGE AUTHORITY

Council President Norgalis introduced Mr.Kenneth Lee and asked that he come forward.  He stated Mr. Lee is being appointed as a regular member to fill the unexpired term of Dix Fetzer for a term to expire January 31, 2011.

Councilman Scaglione stated John Hedin is the Township’s other representative on the SRVSA.  He added Mr. Hedin may be stepping down in the near future and asked that Mr. Lee take the opportunity to gain as much insight as possible from Mr. Hedin as this position carries a lot of responsibilities.

Mr. Naples noted Commissioner John Hedin sent a report updating Council on the past year’s activity.  He informed Council the report was sent to them via e-mail. 

On motion of Councilman Hsing, second by Councilman Scaglione, the resolution was approved.  The vote was as follows:

Councilman Albano                                Aye

Councilman Hsing                                 Aye

Councilman Moench                              Aye

Councilman Scaglione                           Aye

Council President Norgalis                     Aye

THE RESOLUTION WAS APPROVED.

A copy of resolution #08-01-17-037 is appended to the official minutes.

AUTHORIZING CHANGE ORDER # 1, ACCEPTANCE OF PROJECT, RELEASE OF PERFORMANCE BOND AND ACCEPTANCE OF MAINTENANCE BOND FOR THE 2006 ROAD OVERLAY AND IMPROVEMENT PROJECT

Mr. Bogart explained the final change order (#1) is required to adjust the estimated bid quantities to match the as built quantities.  This increased the contract by $73,671.72, thus increasing the contract amount from $406,142.50 to $479,814.22 (an approximately 18% increase).

On motion of Councilman Albano, second by Councilman Moench, the resolution was approved.  The vote was as follows:

Councilman Albano                                Aye

Councilman Hsing                                 Aye

Councilman Moench                              Aye

Councilman Scaglione                           Aye

Council President Norgalis                     Aye

THE RESOLUTION WAS APPROVED.

A copy of resolution #08-01-17-038 is appended to the official minutes.

AUTHORIZATION TO EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT FOR $385,209.35 WITH THE BOARD OF CHOSEN FREEHOLDERS OF SOMERSET COUNTY FOR 2008 RECYCLING COLLECTION AT 16,151 RESIDENTIAL LOCATIONS AT $23.85 PER LOCATION

Mr. Naples stated the annual recycling agreement is the same rate as the previous year. He noted the Township did get money back from the State for our increase in recycling efforts thanks to Nadine Belnay, the Township’s former recycling coordinator.  Mr. Naples added John Falcone is the new Township recycling coordinator.

On motion of Councilman Scaglione, second by Councilman Albano, the resolution was approved.  The vote was as follows:

Councilman Albano                                Aye

Councilman Hsing                                 Aye

Councilman Moench                              Aye

Councilman Scaglione                           Aye

Council President Norgalis                     Aye

THE RESOLUTION WAS APPROVED.

A copy of resolution #08-01-17-039 is appended to the official minutes.

AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF A DEVELOPER’S AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE TOWNSHIP OF BRIDGEWATER AND BAL MIDDLEBROOK CROSSING OPERATING AS BRANDYWINE ASSISTED LIVING LOCATED AT 2006 US HIGHWAY 22 WEST (BLOCK 821, LOT 24)

Mr. Bogart stated the developer was granted a site plan approval for the construction of a 12,834 sq ft., three-story addition to the existing assisted living facility.

AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF A DEVELOPER’S AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE TOWNSHIP OF BRIDGEWATER AND RAKESH KUMAR, FOR A BUSINESS IN THE M-1B ZONE, LOCATED AT 1068 US HIGHWAY 22 EAST (BLOCK 205, LOT 1)

Mr. Bogart stated the developer received a use-variance approval to convert an existing service station building into a convenience store in conjunction with the continuing operation of the gasoline service station.

Mr. Naples stated both developers received approval from the Board of Adjustment.

On motion of Councilman Scaglione, second by Councilman Hsing, the resolutions were approved.  The vote was as follows:

Councilman Albano                                Aye

Councilman Hsing                                 Aye

Councilman Moench                              Aye

Councilman Scaglione                           Aye

Council President Norgalis                     Aye

THE RESOLUTIONS WERE APPROVED.

Copies of resolutions #08-01-17-040 and #08-01-17-041 are appended to the official minutes.

AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF A DEVELOPER’S AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE TOWNSHIP OF BRIDGEWATER AND KAREN ROSAMILIA FOR A BUSINESS IN THE C-3 ZONE LOCATED AT 559 ROUTE 28 (BLOCK 400, LOT 25)

Councilman Albano stated that constructing sidewalks could alleviate the requirement for hazardous busing. 

Mr. Bogart stated the Township planner was considering applying for a grant to review the circulation in the master plan to address sidewalks.

On motion of Councilman Albano, second by Councilman Hsing, the resolution was approved.  The vote was as follows:

Councilman Albano                                Aye

Councilman Hsing                                 Aye

Councilman Moench                              Aye

Councilman Scaglione                           Abstain

Council President Norgalis                     Aye

THE RESOLUTION WAS APPROVED.

A copy of resolution #08-01-17-042 is appended to the official minutes.

AUTHORIZING RELEASE OF THE PERFORMANCE GUARANTEE AND ACCEPTANCE OF THE MAINTENANCE GUARANTEE FOR RARITAN VALLEY SELF STORAGE (PIZZO, PIZZO, BRACO, LLC), LOCATED AT 611 ROUTE 28 (BLOCK 400, LOTS 19, 20, 21, AND 22)

Mr. Naples stated this is a close out of a project and acceptance of the maintenance bond.

AUTHORIZING RELEASE OF PERFORMANCE GUARANTEES AND ROAD IMPROVEMENTS FOR PINE HILL ESTATES OF BRIDGEWATER LOCATED ON DUMONT COURT - AMERICAN DEVELOPERS OF NEW JERSEY, LLC (MAJOR SUBDIVISION OF BLOCK 427, LOTS 20, 21, & 22)

Mr. Bogart recommended the release of the bond and acceptance of the road improvements Dumont Court for the above referenced.

On motion of Councilman Albano, second by Councilman Moench, the resolutions were approved.  The vote was as follows:

Councilman Albano                                Aye

Councilman Hsing                                 Aye

Councilman Moench                              Aye

Councilman Scaglione                           Aye

Council President Norgalis                     Aye

THE RESOLUTIONS WERE APPROVED.

Copies of resolutions #08-01-17-043 and #08-01-17-044 are appended to the official minutes.

AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF A 2008 AGREEMENT WITH THE COMMUNITY VISITING NURSES ASSOCIATION FOR PUBLIC HEALTH NURSING SERVICES IN THE AMOUNT OF $6,930

Mr. Naples stated the Visiting Nurses Association mainly conducts the flu clinics.  He added the additional cost of $504 will provide the Township an additional flu clinic this year. 

Councilman Hsing asked that other associations be considered for cost comparisons. 

On motion of Councilman Albano, second by Councilman Scaglione, the resolution was approved.  The vote was as follows:

Councilman Albano                                Aye

Councilman Hsing                                 Aye

Councilman Moench                              Aye

Councilman Scaglione                           Aye

Council President Norgalis                     Aye

THE RESOLUTION WAS APPROVED.

A copy of resolution #08-01-17-045 is appended to the official minutes.

AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF A LOAN AGREEMENT WITH RARITAN VALLEY HABITAT FOR HUMANITY (“RVHH”) TOWARD THE ACQUISITION AND DEVELOPMENT OF RVHH PROPERTY KNOWN AS BLOCK 300 LOT 14 IN THE TOWNSHIP OF BRIDGEWATER

Mr. Savo reminded Council it had previously authorized legal to file a motion with COAH to seek the expenditure of funds from the Township Housing Trust Fund for COAH because the third round spending plan being on hold.

Councilman Moench asked whether consideration had been given to maintenance costs on the detention basin.

Mr. Savo stated an escrow account had been included in the agreement to cover those costs.

Councilman Hsing commented he wanted to be consistent with his previous position on this project.  He added he strongly supports the organization but is not in favor of this particular project’s location and he will abstain from this vote.

On motion of Councilman Albano, second by Councilman Scaglione, the resolution was approved.  The vote was as follows:

Councilman Albano                                Aye

Councilman Hsing                                 Abstain

Councilman Moench                              Aye

Councilman Scaglione                           Aye

Council President Norgalis                     Aye

THE RESOLUTION WAS APPROVED.

A copy of resolution #08-01-17-046 is appended to the official minutes.

AWARD OF FAIR AND OPEN PROFESSIONAL SERVICE CONTRACTS FOR CAPITAL AND LAND USE ENGINEERING INSPECTIONS

Mr. Naples stated the following firms submitted proposalsto provide Professional Construction Observation (Inspection) Services for the Township for the calendar year 2008.

John Cilo, Jr. Associates, Inc. at the rate of $85 per hour

DeMuro Associates at the rate of $85 per hour

Dewberry-Goodkind, Inc. at the rate of $85 per hour

Edwards Engineering Group, Inc. at the rate of $85 per hour

Maser Consulting, P.A. at the rate of $85 per hour

Van Cleef Engineering Associates at the rate of $85 per hour

On motion of Councilman Scaglione, second by Councilman Albano, the resolution was approved.  The vote was as follows:

Councilman Albano                                Aye

Councilman Hsing                                 Nay

Councilman Moench                              Aye

Councilman Scaglione                           Aye

Council President Norgalis                     Aye

THE RESOLUTION WAS APPROVED.

A copy of resolution #08-01-17-047 is appended to the official minutes.

WAIVER OF FIRE PERMIT FEE FOR THE SOMERSET BENGALI ASSOCIATION TO HOLD A CHILDREN’S CULTURAL TALENT SHOW AT ADAMSVILLE SCHOOL ON FEBRUARY 9, 2008

Mr. Naples stated the Bengali Association provided a summary on the organization and cultural event.

On motion of Councilman Hsing, second by Councilman Albano, the resolution was approved.  The vote was as follows:

Councilman Albano                                Aye

Councilman Hsing                                 Aye

Councilman Moench                              Aye

Councilman Scaglione                           Aye

Council President Norgalis                     Aye

THE RESOLUTION WAS APPROVED.

A copy of resolution #08-01-17-048 is appended to the official minutes.

APPOINTMENTS OF ALTERNATE MEMBERS TO THE BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT

Council President Norgalis stated Councilman Moench was no longer able to serve on the board because he is now a councilman.  Council recommends Sundararajan Vijayakumar be appointed as Alternate #2, to fill the unexpired term of Matthew Moench for a term expiring December 31, 2008, and that Charles M. Harrison be appointed as Alternate Member #3 of the Board of Adjustment to fill the unexpired term of Sundararajan Vijayakumar for a term expiring December 31, 2008.

On motion of Councilman Moench, second by Councilman Albano, the resolution was approved.  The vote was as follows:

Councilman Albano                                Aye

Councilman Hsing                                 Aye

Councilman Moench                              Aye

Councilman Scaglione                           Aye

Council President Norgalis                     Aye

THE RESOLUTION WAS APPROVED.

A copy of resolution #08-01-17-049 is appended to the official minutes.

CONFIRMING FEES FOR AIRPORT LITIGATION FOR THE PERIOD OF 1/15/2007 THROUGH 12/31/2007 AS $40,462

Mr. Savo reaffirmed Council’s position on the airport litigation.  He stated Council is not taking a position on the use of the airport, however it was requesting Bedminster’s Board should go through the correct process and provide due diligence on decision authorizing use of the airport.

On motion of Councilman Albano, second by Councilman Scaglione, the resolution was approved.  The vote was as follows:

Councilman Albano                                Aye

Councilman Hsing                                 Aye

Councilman Moench                              Aye

Councilman Scaglione                           Aye

Council President Norgalis                     Aye

THE RESOLUTION WAS APPROVED.

A copy of resolution #08-01-17-050 is appended to the official minutes.

AUTHORIZING EMPLOYMENT OF SPECIAL COUNSEL

Mr. Savo stated Mr. Bateman and his firm have a conflict with regard to prosecution of a land-use violation presently in Bridgewater municipal court.   He recommends Michael J. Roger’s to represent the Township on this matter.  

On motion of Councilman Albano, second by Councilman Scaglione, the resolution was approved.  The vote was as follows:

Councilman Albano                                Aye

Councilman Hsing                                 Aye

Councilman Moench                              Aye

Councilman Scaglione                           Aye

Council President Norgalis                     Aye

THE RESOLUTION WAS APPROVED.

A copy of resolution #08-01-17-051 is appended to the official minutes.

Public Comment

On motion of Councilman Moench, second of Councilman Hsing, the meeting was opened to the public.

Hope Valenti, 66 Hillside Avenue, stated her concerns over the contamination of her well water.  She added a recent test determined coli forms and E. Coli were present in her water sample.  Ms. Valenti surveyed the neighborhood and discovered most residents use bottled water.  Ms. Valenti said she spoke with the American Water Company in an effort to determine if she and her neighbors were able to connect to the public water supply. She stated that the American Water Company estimated a cost of $99,000 to connect to the city line approximately 550 feet away.  Ms. Valenti asked the Township’s responsibility to ensure clean water to its residents.

Amy Gradley, 24 Wight Street, expressed the same well-water concerns.  She stated it should be the Township’s responsibility to require new residents to have testing on wells.

Diane Bliss, 66 Hillside Avenue, questioned whether new development in the area may be responsible for the well-water contamination.  Ms. Bliss also questioned a rumor on whether there was a cemetery in the vicinity of this development in the past.

Mr. Naples stated he would have Director of Human Services Chris Poulsen research the issue and prepare a report for Ms. Valenti.

Betty Bruno, 1378 Mt. Vernon Road, stated her neighbor has eight 4” drainage pipes that drain water directly to her side yard.  Ms. Bruno added this ongoing drainage problem has caused her side yard to become a mud pit. 

Mr. Bogart stated he will look into the drainage concern of Ms. Bruno.

Joseph Bruno, 1378 Mt. Vernon Road, asked for a time frame in which residents can expect action on a complaint.  Mr. Bruno stated he is involved in an ongoing dispute with his neighbor concerning a fence he feels is partially on his property.  Mr. Bruno added he applied for a variance on a patio that he installed because of the drainage issue in his side yard.  The variance was denied and he was instructed to remove the concrete patio within two weeks.

Mr. Naples stated there was a court hearing scheduled for January 23 concerning Mr. Bruno’s neighbor’s fence.  He added this was a Court issue and it would be inappropriate to respond.

Councilman Hsing asked Administration to prepare a summary of the events to date on Mr. Bruno’s neighborly dispute.

No one else wished to be heard.  On motion of Councilman Albano, second of Councilman Scaglione, the public portion was closed.

Closed Session

On the motion of Councilman Scaglione, second of Councilman Albano, Council convened closed session at 9:10 p.m.

BE IT RESOLVED, by the Bridgewater Township Council that this body will now hold a closed meeting to discuss land acquisition, litigation and personnel.

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.

The vote on the foregoing resolution was as follows:

Councilman Albano                      Aye

Councilman Hsing                      Aye

Councilman Moench                    Aye

Councilman Scaglione                 Aye

Council President Norgalis           Aye

On motion of Councilman Hsing second of Councilman Albano, Council reconvened in open session at 9:33 p.m.

On motion of Councilman Albano, second of Councilman Scaglione, the meeting was adjourned at 9:35 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

Linda J. Doyle, RMC

Municipal Clerk

______________________________

Howard Norgalis

Council President