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 5, 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 (May 1)
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) Increase in 2008 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 - Litigation/ Affordable Housing
16. ADJOURNMENT
Revised 05/2/08
MINUTES OF THE BRIDGEWATER TOWNSHIP COUNCIL
MAY 5, 2008 COUNCIL CHAMBERS
The Township Council of the Township of Bridgewater, County of Somerset, State of New Jersey, convened in an agenda session on Monday, May 5, 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 (arrived 7:32)
Matthew C. Moench
Patrick Scaglione (arrived 7:41)
Howard V. Norgalis
Also Present:
James T. Naples, Township Administrator
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.
On the motion of Councilman Albano, second of Councilman Moench, the regular session minutes of April 7, and April 17, and the closed session of April 17, 2008, were approved.
Councilman Moench reported he attended the Bradley Gardens Little Loop Opening Day ceremony. Councilman Moench added Paul Riga has been the President of the Bradley Gardens Little Loop organization for years and will be leaving that position. Mr. Riga was recognized for his years of commitment.
Councilman Albano reported he was at the Township yard waste on Saturday and recognized the Public Works efficiency.
Councilman Hsing reported on the County wide Asian-American Heritage Month celebration to be held on Sunday, May 18th at the Ukrainian Center. Councilman Hsing added it is a great celebration focusing on Asian cuisine, dance, song, martial arts performance and much more.
Council President Norgalis reported he attended the 50th year of the Bradley Gardens Little Loop celebration. He recognized the participants for their spirit and commitment.
Council President Norgalis reported the American Water Company will be hosting a public hearing on May 6, in the court annex to discuss and receive commentary from the public on the increase of water rates.
Mr. Naples reported Mayor Flannery also attended the Opening Day for Bradley Gardens Little Loop.
Mr. Naples reported Mayor Flannery attended on Sunday, May 4, the Creative Arts Celebration and Awards ceremony. Mr. Naples added art work from the Creative Arts Committee is on display in the Municipal Building.
BUDGET AMENDMENT
Council President Norgalis stated the above referenced budget amendment resolution was tabled and requested a motion to remove from table. On motion of Councilman Albano, seconded by Councilman Hsing the budget resolution was removed from table for further discursion.
On motion of Councilman Albano, the budget amendment was tabled until the agenda session of May 15, pending the budget subcommittees recommendations. The vote was as follows:
Councilman Albano Aye
Councilman Hsing Aye
Councilman Moench Aye
Councilman Scaglione Aye
Council President Norgalis Aye
THE BUDGET AMENDMENT RESOLUTION WAS TABLED.
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Public Hearing and Final Action Ordinances |
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 said based on the discussion at the agenda session to consider a referendum to use Open Space Trust funding he added another option would be to pass this ordinance, then should Council consider the referendum and it be successful pay off the bond.
On motion of Councilman Albano, seconded by Councilman Scaglione, Council opened the public hearing on the above referenced bond ordinance.
No one wished to be heard.
On motion of Councilman Hsing, seconded by Councilman Albano, the public hearing was closed.
On motion of Councilman Albano, the bond ordinance in the amount of $400,000 for park improvements was tabled until July 21, 2008, pending the Council’s consideration for referendum.
The vote was as follows:
Councilman Albano Aye
Councilman Hsing Aye
Councilman Moench Nay
Councilman Scaglione Aye
Council President Norgalis Nay
THE ORDINANCE WAS TABLED.
The Clerk read the flowing ordinance by title:
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 and the Finance Director, Natasha Turchan, have discussed adding these costs to the operating budget.
Councilman Hsing thanked Administration for supplying additional information and surveys from other local municipalities. Councilman Hsing stated in his opinion these computers and weapons would no longer be durable and would have no residual value. It is not financially prudent to bond
On motion of Councilman Albano, seconded by Councilman Hsing, Council opened the public hearing on the above referenced bond ordinance.
No one wished to be heard.
On motion of Councilman Scaglione, seconded by Councilman Albano, the public hearing was closed.
On motion of Councilman Hsing, seconded by Councilman Moench, the bond ordinance in the amount of $156,500 for computers and weaponry was rejected. The vote was as follows:
Councilman Albano Nay
Councilman Hsing Aye
Councilman Moench Aye
Councilman Scaglione Aye
Council President Norgalis Aye
THE ORDINANCE WAS REJECTED.
Council President Norgalis requested Mr. Naples to consider the inclusion of additional expenses for both the computers and guns, should be offset by reductions in other expenses so as not to increase the budget.
A copy of resolution #08-05-05-123, annotating rejection of the bond is appended to the official minutes.
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Introduction of Ordinances |
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
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the said pending ordinance be passed on first reading and advertised as required by statute fixing the 19th day of May 2008, 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.
Mr. Naples reported none of the properties considered are on the ROSI list. Mr. Naples stated using Open Space funds would not encumber the use of these funds for related recreation use which includes the Senior Center and the parking lot as a supplementary use.
Councilman Moench asked for clarification of the ROSI List.
Mr. Savo stated the list is established by Green Acres, ROSI is the acronym for Recreation Open Space Inventory.
On motion of Councilman Albano, second by Councilman Scaglione, the foregoing 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 #08-05-05-124 is appended to the official minutes.
On motion of Councilman Albano, seconded by Councilman Scaglione the meeting opened to the public
No one wished to speak.
On motion of Councilman Albano, seconded by Councilman Scaglione the meeting opened to the public was closed.
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.
On motion of Councilman Albano, second by Councilman Scaglione, the foregoing 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 #08-05-05-126 is appended to the official minutes.
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
Councilman Albano reiterated if a fee is charged for admission, a request for waiver should not be granted.
Councilman Hsing commented whether or not an admission fee is charged the monies or surplus cannot be used for profit because the applicant is a not for profit organization. Councilman Hsing stated denying a waiver based on an admission fee alone is inconsistent with the Council’s intention to waive fees for non-profit organizations.
Council President Norgalis stated each application is considered on its own merit.
On motion of Councilman Albano, second by Councilman Scaglione, the foregoing resolution was approved. The vote was as follows:
Councilman Albano Nay
Councilman Hsing Aye
Councilman Moench Aye
Councilman Scaglione Aye
Council President Norgalis Nay
THE RESOLUTION WAS APPROVED.
A copy of resolution #08-05-05-126 is appended to the official minutes.
Council was in consent to vote in consent on the following resolutions.
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 ARC OF SOMERSET COUNTY TO HOLD A WALK-A-THON AT THE DUKE ISLAND PARK ON MAY 17
Council discussed the request for waiver and were in consensus the organization met the requirements for waiver of the fire permit in the amount of $50.
On motion of Councilman Albano, second by Councilman Hsing, the foregoing 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 RESOLUTION WAS APPROVED.
Copies of resolutions #08-05-05-127 through #08-05-05-129 are appended to the official minutes.
On the motion of Councilman Hsing, second of Councilman Albano, Council convened 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 affordable housing 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 Hsing, Council reconvened in open session at 8:10 p.m.
On motion of Councilman Albano, second of Councilman Scaglione, the meeting was adjourned at 8:10 pm.
Respectfully Submitted,
Linda J. Doyle, RMC
Municipal Clerk
______________________________
Howard Norgalis
Council President
