The following agenda and minutes are an unofficial copy and for informational purposes only. Please do not rely on these minutes in making a land use application or for an application for a permit of any kind. Contact the Municipal Clerk for an official copy.

AGENDA FOR AGENDA SESSION MEETING OF

MAY 1, 2008 AT 7:30 P.M.

1.     NOTICE OF MEETING

2.     ROLL CALL

3.     PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

4.     MINUTES FOR APPROVAL

Regular Session – April 7, 2008

Regular Session – April 17, 2008

Closed Session – April 17, 2008

5.     TOWNSHIP COUNCIL REPORTS

6.     MAYOR’S REPORT

7.     PRESENTATION

a)    Conditional C-3 Uses in Bridgewater Township

8.     DISCUSSION

2008 Proposed Budget Reduction Strategy

9.     2008 MUNICIPAL BUDGET

a)    Budget Amendment

10. PUBLIC HEARING AND FINAL ACTION ORDINANCES

a)    Bond Ordinance Providing an Appropriation of $400,000 for Various Park Improvements

b)    Bond Ordinance Providing an Appropriation of $156,500 for Various Improvements

11. INTRODUCTION OF NEW ORDINANCES

a)    Ordinance Authorizing Acquisition of Land Identified As Block 570, Lot 1 and Block 577, Lot 15.01 for Public Open Space for the Purchase Price of $17,410

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. RESOLUTIONS

a)    Emergency Temporary Appropriations

b)    Authorizing Award of Contract to PMK Group, Inc. Professional Engineering /Commissioning Services for the Alterations/Additions to the Municipal Complex in the amount of $48,800

c)     Recycling Tonnage Grant Application

d)    Waiver of Fire Permit Fee for the Indian Association of Somerset County to Hold a Spring Festival at the Bridgewater-Raritan Middle School on May 17

e)    Waiver of Fire Permit Fee for the Arc of Somerset County to Hold a Walk-A-Thon at the Duke Island Park on May 17

14. REPORTS

15. CLOSED SESSION

16. MOTION TO SET AGENDA

17.   ADJOURNMENT

Revised 04/29/08

MINUTES OF THE BRIDGEWATER TOWNSHIP COUNCIL

MAY 1, 2008                               COUNCIL CHAMBERS

The Township Council of the Township of Bridgewater, County of Somerset, State of New Jersey, convened in an agenda session on Thursday, May 1, 2008, at 7:30 p.m. in Council Chambers in the Municipal Annex, Bridgewater, New Jersey.

Council President Norgalis read the following announcement:

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:                  

Patricia Flannery, Mayor

James T. Naples, Township Administrator

Robert Bogart, Director of Municipal Services

Chris Poulsen, Director of Human Services

Natasha Turchan, Director of Finance

Darrow Murdock, Tax Collector

Anthony DiRado, Tax Assessor

Christine Schneider, Superintendent of Recreation

Stephen Rodzinak, Construction Official

Scarlett Doyle, Township Planner

John Langel, Superintendent of Public Works

William B. Savo, Township Attorney

Linda J. Doyle, Township Clerk

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

Council President Norgalis stated the minutes from the regular session meetings of April 7 and April 17 2008, and the closed session of April 17, 2008, are on the agenda for approval.

Councilman Moench reported he attended the Raritan Rail Coalition meeting. He added Bob Franks was the key note speaker and promoted the toll hikes proposed by Governor Corzine. 

Councilman Moench reported he attended the Town Hall meeting at Somerset County where Assemblyman Biondi and Assemblywoman Coyle spoke on the State’s budget and the cuts in local funding.  He added the State cut Bridgewater’s State aid $550,000.  Councilman Moench stated he raised Bridgewater’s concerns with the new proposed COAH regulations

Councilman Moench reported the Bradley Garden Baseball Opening Day ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, May 3, 2008 at 11 a.m.

Councilman Scaglione reported there was application proposed for the former Bazookas’ property at the Planning Board meeting.  He stated the application, to construct a 18,000 sq. ft. professional office building, was unanimously approved.  Councilman Scaglione also presented Council a plan displaying the proposed building.  He added the applicant will be addressing drainage concerns with two underground detention basins and the Director of the Youth Center spoke favorably of the proposal.

Councilman Scaglione reported he will be representing Bridgewater on the Community Development Block Grant Committee.

Council President Norgalis reported he attended the Affordability Housing Breakfast, April 22, where two of the honorees were Bill and Kathy Savo.  He added Mr. and Mrs. Savo received the lifelong achievement award for their work on affordable housing in this and other countries.

Council President Norgalis reported he attended the Somerset County Business Partnership.  He stated Rodney Frelinghuysen was the quest speaker and he discussed a myriad of items happening in the Federal government in terms of finance and military.

Council President Norgalis reported on the Open House for the NJ Institute of Disabilities’.   He added there are six people who live at 529 Stony Brook Drive and work within our community.

Mayor Flannery reported she attended the Open House of the NJ Institute for Disabilities and spoke to them about becoming part of the affordable housing program. 

Mayor Flannery provided Council with an updated on COAH.  She stated COAH is releasing the rules and amendments next week.  Mayor Flannery stated COAH and the Township do not expect anything substantial in the amendments.  Mayor Flannery added the Township strongly objects to the proposal set forth by COAH.

Mayor Flannery reported proposed Assembly Bill A-500 includes a provision which, in addition to the 900 affordable units already proposed by COAH, would increase Bridgewater Township units more.  Mayor Flannery stated Senator Bateman met with DCA Commissioner Joseph Doria.  Mayor Flannery said she participated in a conference call with Mayors on behalf of the League of Municipalities forming the response to A-500.  She informed Council the hearing for A-500 is on May 22 in Trenton. She will speak on Bridgewater’s position.  Mayor Flannery encouraged all to attend.

Mayor Flannery stated that for next Council meeting she will have prepared a potential for legal action which will lay out Bridgewater’s response.  The discussion will include an in-depth review on the COAH proposal to determine the Township’s direction on the issue.  She added the rules become finalized on June 2, 2008, and objections would need to be filed timely.

Mayor Flannery reported PMK and together Wyeth representatives of will come before Council within the next two months to present an overview of there conclusions on the Wyeth property.

Mayor Flannery recognized Scarlett Doyle, the Township Planner as a published author.  She added Ms. Doyle will have a book signing event for her newly published book named There Is No Such Thing as Closure on May 17 at Barnes and Noble.

Councilman Scaglione introduced Frank P. Linnus, Esq.  Mr. Linnus spoke on behalf of his client Knightsbridge Estates, LLC located at Block 400, Lot 5.04, Rt. 22, C-3 Office Zone.  He stated his client is requesting a change in zoning to accommodate an application to construct a high end hotel (Cambria Suites) on the site.  Mr. Linnus stated that at the December 18, 2007, the Board of Adjustment took action to deny the request for a use variance.  Mr. Linnus stated that at the March 4, 2008, meeting, the Board of Adjustment adopted a resolution which, among other things, suggested the exclusion of hotels as a permitted or conditional use in this zone.  Mr. Linnus added he appeared before the Planning Board on April 8, 2008, seeking a recommendation that the governing body consider a zoning change to include a high quality hotel however the Planning Board took no formal action.

Council was in consensus to further review and discuss the applicant’s proposal at the next Council session scheduled for May 15, 2008.

2008 PROPOSED BUDGET REDUCTION STRATEGY

Council President Norgalis asked the Clerk to read a letter he prepared on the 2008 Proposed Budget Reduction Strategy due to his laryngitis. The letter is attached to the official minutes of May 1, 2008.

Mayor Flannery thanked Council for their due diligence in reviewing the budget. She added the 2008 Municipal Budget would have been a $49 increase for tax payers previous to the reduction in State aid.  It is now a $75 increase.  Mayor Flannery outlined the expenditures and Township’s obligations including pensions, insurance, contractual agreements together with the decrease in revenue from the state. She added in her opinion further cuts will lead to cuts in basic services or lend towards financial instability.  

Council President Norgalis asked if there were any members of the public wishing to speak on the 2008 Municipal Budget.

On motion of Councilman Hsing, seconded by Councilman Albano, the meeting was opened to the public for comments on the Municipal Budget.

Teresa Avin, 15 Drysdale Lane, representing the Foothill Civic Association, stated she had three questions to direct to Council.

1.               In percentage terms how much are our taxes increasing??

2.               Is the Township using surplus monies? If so why? How Much?

3.               Are there any items able to cut from the Municipal Budget?

Council President Norgalis responded to Ms. Avin stating the increase in taxes 7.2% and surplus in the amount of $4 M.  He stated the last question is open and will need to be readdressed.

Ms. Turchan explained the use of surplus is intended to institute financial stability.

Nancy Gladfelter, Mountaintop Road asked why the newsletter read stated the increase was 4% and was now being told it was a 7.2%.  She asked for an explanation of the difference.

Mr. Naples responded the statement in the newsletter was addressing strictly the contractual obligations for employees.

Ms. Gladfelter stated she was concerns with the Township using surplus funds, especially in light of the proposed COAH regulations.  Ms. Gladfelter stated the proposed COAH obligations will add housing which in turn adds children to the school system making the Township need more schools etc.  Ms. Gladfelter stated the Township should reevaluate its use of surplus to ward off future obligations.

Ms. Turchan explained COAH has a separate trust fund and surplus that is never utilized in the budget.

Councilman Moench assured Ms. Gladfelter the budget subcommittee, consisting of him and Council President Norgalis, has reviewed each line item to determine cost effectiveness.

Dan Hayes, 5 Hawkes Court, commended Council and Administration for taking on a critical evaluation of the fiscal condition of the Township.  Mr. Hayes asked Council to consider economic development while addressing the Township’s fiscal situation.  Mr. Hayes stated he had two additional recommendations:

1. Plan a strategic response to COAH.  He added it will take time and money to mount a defense or execute our policy.  He added that money needs to be available in the budget.
2. Economic vitality of our commercial properties is critical for residents to maintain a stable tax position.   Mr.  Hayes stated he was advocating the monies not be cut from the Economic Development budget.

Maria Cermanaro, 555 Garretson Road asked the amount of tax revenue the Township receives from the Village portion at Bridgewater Commons Mall.

Mr. DiRado explained the current agreement concerning tax revenue of the Village including the Township’s portion of collected rent.

No one else wished to speak.

On motion of Councilman Hsing, seconded by Councilman Moench, the public portion was closed.

Council President Norgalis stated it is not his preference to address each line item expenditure.  He stated he would prefer to poll Council members to formulate a consensus on an amount to look towards cutting from the Municipal Budget.

• Councilman Albano proposed $200,000.
• Councilman Scaglione proposed $200,000.
• Councilman Hsing proposed $550,000.
• Councilman Moench preferred Council consider line item cuts as opposed to an arbitrary dollar amount. He added he was comfortable with $200,000.
• Council President Norgalis proposed $200,000 - $250,000.

Council was in consensus to review the budget with an objective to cut in $200,000 however, would realize the constraints and obligations already in place.

Council was in consensus to take a 5 minute recess.

The Clerk took a roll call vote to reconvene the session.  All were present.

BUDGET AMENDMENT

Council and Mr. Savo discussed the options of either tabling the Budget Amendment on Monday or rejecting the amendment as proposed and initiating a new amendment. 

On motion of Councilman Albano, seconded by Councilman Scaglione the meeting was re-opened to the public.

Teresa Avin, 15 Drysdale Lane, stated the Township should be run like a business.  Ms. Avin questioned time management in having employees sit through the budget discussion, implementing tight goals to save time and money.

John Louise, 405 Rt. 28, spoke against the re-zoning issue presented/discussed earlier by Mr. Linnus of Knightsbridge Estates.  He stated he attended all the zoning board meetings and strongly opposes the change in zoning to accommodate a hotel.  Mr. Louise asked the benefit to the community and questioned why no business owners came forward during all these deliberations to express the need for another hotel in the community.  Mr. Louise stated he is a good neighbor who is not opposed to development on that property.  He stated he felt it was an insult to the Zoning Board of Adjustment and Township Council that the property owner came back to seek a zoning change to accommodate this use.

Mr. Louise distributed a copy of the prior resolution provided by the Zoning Board.

Michelle Louise, 405 Route 28, stated she is in strong opposition to this zoning application and stated no hotel should be allowed to be built in a residential zone.  Ms. Louise said she is passionate in her concerns for her children and the impact this hotel will have on her quality of life.

Councilman Scaglione addressed Ms. Loiuse stating this application should be reviewed by the Township Planner to explore the possibility of a re-zone and whether it would be appropriate to require conditions for use.

Ron Kurtz, 413 Route 28, stated there was a hotel study done in the area.  He added this study did not include the Sierra Suites in Branchburg.  Mr. Kurtz stated the Board required E&B to implement changes in the buffer zone and they have not met the conditions of approval by the Board.  He added the white fence installed on the property is not appropriate in a wooded area.  Mr. Kurtz also applauded Council on their budget deliberations and advised Council consider the increase in utility costs for next year.

Nancy Gladfelter, Mountaintop Road, stated she wanted to expand on Teresa Avin’s passionate cry for financial stability.  She asked Council consider contractual obligations like pensions and health insurance obligations be reevaluated on new hires.

Mr. Savo explained the State mandates the pension plans for municipal employees.  He advised comments to change those obligations need to be changed through legislation. 

The Clerk read the following ordinance by title:

BOND ORDINANCE PROVIDING AN APPROPRIATION OF $400,000 FOR VARIOUS PARK IMPROVEMENTS IN AND BY THE TOWNSHIP OF BRIDGEWATER, IN THE COUNTY OF SOMERSET, NEW JERSEY AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF $380,000 BONDS OR NOTES OF THE TOWNSHIP FOR FINANCING PART OF THE APPROPRIATION.

Mr. Naples stated this bonding was for improvements to Crim Park, and had no additional comments.

Councilman Albano asked whether park improvements could be funded out of the Township’s Open Space Trust Fund.

Mr. Savo explained the Township would need to address the use of Open Space Trust Fund monies to provide park improvements through referendum.

Mr. Naples said the Mayor is exploring the option of referendum.

BOND ORDINANCE PROVIDING AN APPROPRIATION OF $156,500 FOR VARIOUS IMPROVEMENTS IN AND BY THE TOWNSHIP OF BRIDGEWATER, IN THE COUNTY OF SOMERSET, NEW JERSEY AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF $123,560 BONDS OR NOTES OF THE TOWNSHIP FOR FINANCING PART OF THE APPROPRIATION.

Mr. Naples stated he provided additional information including a survey on surrounding communities who have bonded for computers, weapons, and cleaning equipment.  In additional, he provided a letter from the Township’s bonding company and Chief Borden to determine useful life.

Councilman Hsing stated he strongly objects bonding computer equipment.  He stated he also surveyed various communities who bonded these items in previous years but not in recent years.

Councilman Hsing stated these computers and weapons would no longer be durable and would have no residual value.  It is not financially prudent to bond.

ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING ACQUISITION OF LAND IDENTIFIED AS BLOCK 570, LOT 1 AND BLOCK 577, LOT 15.01 FOR PUBLIC OPEN SPACE FOR THE PURCHASE PRICE OF $17,410

Mr. Savo recommends Council acquire this property as it contiguous to the Senior Center property and may afford the option to extend the parking lot if need for future use.

Mr. Naples will verify whether this property is on the ROSI list.

INCREASE IN 2008 EMERGENCY TEMPORARY APPROPRIATIONS

Mr. Naples stated these appropriations will afford the Township to opportunity to maintain business for the next three months until the budget is adopted and certified by the Division of Local Government Services.  

AUTHORIZING AWARD OF CONTRACT TO PMK GROUP, INC. PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERING /COMMISSIONING SERVICES FOR THE ALTERATIONS/ADDITIONS TO THE MUNICIPAL COMPLEX IN THE AMOUNT OF $48,800

Mr. Naples stated the commissioning process is required to be provided by a professional engineering firm for lead certification on the new Municipal Complex. 

RECYCLING TONNAGE GRANT APPLICATION

Mr. Naples stated this resolution authorizes the Township to apply for the Recycling Tonnage grant and memorializes the Township’s commitment for recycling.  He added a new program has been implemented by the Bridgewater-Raritan High School to come back with a project to control and reduce litter throughout the Township.

WAIVER OF FIRE PERMIT FEE FOR THE INDIAN ASSOCIATION OF SOMERSET COUNTY TO HOLD A SPRING FESTIVAL AT THE BRIDGEWATER-RARITAN MIDDLE SCHOOL ON MAY 17

Council discussed the request for waiver of the fire permit in the amount of $50.

WAIVER OF FIRE PERMIT FEE FOR THE ARC OF SOMERSET COUNTY TO HOLD A WALK-A-THON AT THE DUKE ISLAND PARK ON MAY 17

Council discussed the request for waiver of the fire permit in the amount of $50.

On motion of Councilman Hsing, second of Councilman Albano the agenda was set for the meeting on May 5, 2008.  

On motion of Councilman Albano, second of Councilman Hsing, the meeting was adjourned at 10:10 pm.

Respectfully Submitted,

Linda J. Doyle, RMC

Municipal Clerk

______________________________

Howard Norgalis

Council President