Borough of Raritan Council Regular Meeting August 11, 2009 The following notice was read: NOTICE of this meeting has been made by advising the Courier News and the Raritan Borough website of the time, date and place of this Council meeting, posting a notice on the official bulletin board, filing a copy in the Borough Clerk’s office and including this statement in the minutes of this meeting. Mayor Liptak called the meeting to order at 8:18 p.m. Upon call of the roll, the following were present: Mayor Liptak Council President Laggini Councilman Licht Councilwoman Wilson Councilman Lamaestra Councilwoman Carra Councilman Marago – Left 7:21 pm Also present was: Daniel Jaxel, Borough Administrator Paul Rizzo, Borough Attorney Stan Schrek, Borough Engineer Pamela Huefner, Borough Clerk Councilman Licht presented the prayer and Pledge of Allegiance. Mayor Liptak congratulated Chief Hess for a great job on National Night Out. Public Comments Lou Eelman, 30 Gaston Avenue, stated that he has an issues with the Gaston Brook clean up, as the debris is the only thing holding the embankment together. Stan Schrek noted that he will be present to control what comes out. Lou also noted that there use to be an old bridge over the stream which has been washed away, he now has no access to his property on the other side of the stream. Mr. Schrek responded that the Borough can not apply for stream encroachment on behalf of a private owner. Andy Sibilia, 19 Gaston Avenue, inquired as to the Thompson Street trees, he heard that they were promised to us then died at Agway. Stan Schrek stated that all of the trees in stock at Agway were dead from apparent lack of water, as he had gone to see them. Councilwoman Wilson stated that she had a hard time find property owners who would consent to having a tree placed on their property and in the end only one person wanted one. Stan Schrek noted that it is challenging to get a canopy back over Raritan. Mr. Sibilia then noted that he has played bocci at the new courts and asked why a light is going up there when the park is suppose to be closed at dusk. Stan Schrek noted that the light will be set one hour after sunset, 10 degrees below horizon. Mr. Sibilia then commented that the Borough pools have people dropping off young children and they are becoming a daycare. Many people are coming from other towns also. Councilman Licht stated that this was made very clear to the Recreation Commission and the interim solution was to issue badges to Borough residents, which the Recreation Commission chose not to do. Mr. Sibilia stated that it is time to make changes within the Recreation Commission. Vito Bracatelli, 134 Orlando Drive, (Wonder Years Academy) Paul Rizzo told Mr. Bracatelli that he had spoken with his attorney and we are moving forward with the step to take for remediation. He also informed Mr. Bracatelli that his landlord has not been responding to any calls or correspondence. RESOLUTIONS RENEWAL OF PLENARY RETAIL CONSUMPTION LIQUOR LICENSE – ESPO’S INC. Motion was made to approve the above listed resolution by Councilwoman Carra, seconded by Council President Laggini. Roll call vote was as follows: Council President Laggini Aye Councilman Licht Aye Councilwoman Carra Aye Councilwoman Wilson Aye Councilman Marago Absent Councilman Lamaestra Aye The above listed resolution was approved. 2009 SALARIES – TAX COLLECTOR AND TAX SEARCH OFFICER Motion was made to approve the above listed resolution by Councilwoman Wilson, seconded by Council President Laggini. Roll call vote was as follows: Council President Laggini Aye Councilman Licht Aye Councilwoman Carra Aye Councilwoman Wilson Aye Councilman Marago Absent Councilman Lamaestra Aye The above listed resolution was approved. DESIGNATING BOROUGH CLERK AS THE PUBLIC OFFICER TO RECEIVE NOTICES OF INTENTION TO FORECLOSE AND TO IMPLEMENT THE PROVISIONS OF THE MORTGAGE STABILIZATION AND RELIEF ACT OF THE BOROUGH OF RARITAN Motion was made to approve the above listed resolution by Council President Laggini, seconded by Councilman Lamaestra. Roll call vote was as follows: Council President Laggini Aye Councilman Licht Aye Councilwoman Carra Aye Councilwoman Wilson Aye Councilman Marago Absent Councilman Lamaestra Aye The above listed resolution was approved. ELEVATOR SUBCODE Motion was made to approve the above listed resolution by Councilman Licht, seconded by Councilman Lamaestra. Roll call vote was as follows: Council President Laggini Aye Councilman Licht Aye Councilwoman Carra Aye Councilwoman Wilson Aye Councilman Marago Absent Councilman Lamaestra Aye The above listed resolution was approved. PLACE TO PLACE LIGUOR TRANSFER – EXTENSION OF PREMISES – FRANK INGRAO, INC., T/A CHAR STEAKHOUSE Motion was made to approve the above listed resolution by Councilwoman Carra, seconded by Council President Laggini. Roll call vote was as follows: Council President Laggini Aye Councilman Licht Aye Councilwoman Carra Aye Councilwoman Wilson Aye Councilman Marago Absent Councilman Lamaestra Aye The above listed resolution was approved. Introduction of Ordinance 09-05 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 71A OF THE CODE OF THE BOROUGH OF RARITAN ENTITLED STORMWATER REGULATIONS Motion to approve by Councilman Lamaestra, seconded by Councilwoman Wilson, roll call vote was as follows: Council President Laggini Aye Councilman Licht Aye Councilwoman Carra Aye Councilwoman Wilson Aye Councilman Marago Absent Councilman Lamaestra Aye The above referenced was introduced and passed on first reading at a meeting of the Borough Council held on August 11, 2009 and said ordinance will be further considered for final passage at a meeting which will be held on September 22, 2009 at 8:00 p.m. or soon thereafter as the matter can be reached at the regular meeting place of the Borough Council and that at such time and place all such persons interested be given an opportunity to be heard concerning said ordinance, and that the Borough Clerk be, and she hereby is, authorized and directed to publish said ordinance according to law with a notice of its introduction and passage on first reading and of the time and place when and where said ordinance will be further considered for final passage. Introduction of Ordinance 09-06 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 71A-6 OF THE CODE OF THE BOROUGH OF RARITAN ENTITLED STORMWATER REGULATIONS Motion to approve by Councilman Lamaestra, seconded by Councilwoman Wilson, roll call vote was as follows: Council President Laggini Aye Councilman Licht Aye Councilwoman Carra Aye Councilwoman Wilson Aye Councilman Marago Absent Councilman Lamaestra Aye The above referenced was introduced and passed on first reading at a meeting of the Borough Council held on August 11, 2009 and said ordinance will be further considered for final passage at a meeting which will be held on September 22, 2009 at 8:00 p.m. or soon thereafter as the matter can be reached at the regular meeting place of the Borough Council and that at such time and place all such persons interested be given an opportunity to be heard concerning said ordinance, and that the Borough Clerk be, and she hereby is, authorized and directed to publish said ordinance according to law with a notice of its introduction and passage on first reading and of the time and place when and where said ordinance will be further considered for final passage. Introduction of Ordinance 09-07 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 56A ENTITLED PROPERTY MAINTENANCE, OF THE CODE OF THE BOROUGH OF RARITAN Motion to approve by Councilman Lamaestra, seconded by Councilwoman Wilson, roll call vote was as follows: Council President Laggini Aye Councilman Licht Aye Councilwoman Carra Aye Councilwoman Wilson Aye Councilman Marago Absent Councilman Lamaestra Aye The above referenced was introduced and passed on first reading at a meeting of the Borough Council held on August 11, 2009 and said ordinance will be further considered for final passage at a meeting which will be held on September 22, 2009 at 8:00 p.m. or soon thereafter as the matter can be reached at the regular meeting place of the Borough Council and that at such time and place all such persons interested be given an opportunity to be heard concerning said ordinance, and that the Borough Clerk be, and she hereby is, authorized and directed to publish said ordinance according to law with a notice of its introduction and passage on first reading and of the time and place when and where said ordinance will be further considered for final passage. Committee Reports: Council President Laggini thanked Mr. Al Smith for attending the Council meeting as a representative of the Board of Education. Council President Laggini announced that Meet Your Neighbor Day has obtained a corporate sponsor, TD Bank , and that there will be a Meet Your Neighbor Day meeting tomorrow night at 6:30 pm. Council President Laggini made motion to approve PO for participation in the Somerset County Park Commission Therapeutic Recreation program in the amount of $2,030.00;, motion was seconded by Councilman Lamaestra. Upon call of the roll, motion was unanimously approved. Council President Laggini stated that the new Steve DelRocco sign had been installed at the baseball field, and on August 21 arts and crafts end at the parks. He also noted that a grant has been applied for to build a new club house. Councilman Licht stated that the CDC has issued an H1N1 virus advisory and they are offering a voluntary vaccination effort in order to help contain what they predict as a sever flu season this year. It is recommended that individuals get their vaccinations as soon as possible and the regular seasonal flu vaccine will not cover the H1N1 virus, a separate vaccination will be necessary. He advised that the priority will be pregnant women, children 6 months to 24 years of age, health care workers and seniors. There is no shortage of this vaccination expected. Councilman Licht stated that the CDC recommends that infected individuals stay home for 24 hours after fever has subsided without fever reducing medication. Councilman Licht made motion to approve an agreement with Somerset County for computer repair and maintenance for $616.67 per month or $7,400 annually, seconded by Council President Laggini. Upon call of the roll motion was unanimously approved. Councilman Licht stated that National Night Out was a great event and thanked Chief Hess and the entire Police Department. Councilman Licht made motion to approve payment of $2,436.85 to Pumping Services of Middlesex, NJ for emergency repair of the Ortho Drive Pumping Station, seconded by Council President Laggini. Upon call of the roll motion was unanimously approved. Councilman Licht stated that the new Property Maintenance Officer has been giving excellent reports and catching issues before they are report by residents. Mr. Taddeo has been informing residents of recycling guidelines, giving 24 hours notice to cut grass, advising to remove electronics from curb side and giving notice to remove pools over two feet high that are not properly approved. Councilman Licht stated that Mr. Taddeo has been explaining to residents how the laws work and balancing education with violations. Councilwoman Carra noted that Public Works has been busy black topping Bell Avenue and has delivered electronics to the County in addition to their regular duties. Councilwoman Carra made motion to approve $2,028.00 to Air Gas of Piscataway, NJ for a new mig welder for Public Works, seconded by Councilman Licht. Upon call of the roll motion was unanimously approved. Councilwoman Carra stated that the Freeholders have issued a notice on mosquitoes and recommend removing any standing water around your home and property. Councilwoman Carra congratulated Chief Hess on a great job with National Night Out. Councilwoman Wilson stated the Environmental Commission will be presenting the garden contest winner at the September 22nd Council Meeting. Councilwoman Wilson stated that she toured the Somerset County Recycling Facility and was very impressed. Somerset County is the only County in New Jersey who recycles glass and sells it to Trap Rock Industries for use in paving roads. She noted that those who recycle news papers and place them in plastic bags should not use plastic. Councilwoman Wilson also stated that calls should be made to the Somerset County Board of Health to report any business, commercial building, or apartment complex that does not recycle. She also stated that she has spoken with Freeholder Ciatarelli about bio-diesel fuels for Public Works vehicles and was informed it would not be cost efficient to consider as you must have a chemical engineer involved and full lab on premises. Councilwoman Wilson stated that approximately 150 to 200 people attended National Night Out which was a great success, officers and staff were also present. Councilwoman Wilson noted that a letter had been received from Bernards commending Officer Tom Fisher during a recent burglary spree, as with in hours Officer Fisher had provided them with a strong lead which led to 98% of the stolen property being recovered. She commended him on a job well done. Councilwoman Wilson made motion to approve $6,106 to Jamar of PA, for Traffic Data Radar, seconded by Councilman Lamaestra. Upon call of the roll, motion was unanimously approved. Councilwoman Wilson made motion to extend the tax grace period to August 28th, seconded by Councilman Lamaestra. Upon call of the roll motion was unanimously approved. Councilman Lamaestra stated that the footing has been dug for the commemorative stone that will be placed near the Basilone Statute. He noted that he hopes to have it ready for presentation soon Councilman Lamaestra read the Fire Officials’s report, in July there 17 perodic inspections , 22 reinspections, 4 complaint inspections and 11 other inspections. Mayor Liptak stated that the United Way is again holding their “Stuff the Bus” fund drive for school supplies for underpriviledged children. Donations can be dropped off at the United Reformed Church in Somerville. Mayor Liptak stated that she has received a letter form a woman in Flemington who would like to buy a flag to be flown at the Basilone Statute in honor of her cat, Norton. Mayor Liptak also stated that the State of New Jersey is offering monetary incentives to people who buy energy efficient appliances to replace old ones. Mayor Liptak stated that National Night was wonderful and the Nixel program was covered in this days Courier News. The web site is www.nixel.com to sign up for local alerts. Mayor Liptak informed residents that the 4-h fair is free family fair open from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm, Wednesday through Friday. Unfinished Business a. Busky Lane: Paul Rizzo stated since no response from Mr. Berger we could consider condemning to get easement. b. General Code: still awaiting the mid September editorial analysis c. Orlando Drive: stimulus grant application in, awaiting up dates d. Hidden Pond: discussed in Engineers Report e. Main Street NJ: Mark Maher going to presentation f. Recreation Grant: discussed in Engineers report g. Economic Development: 2nd installment of information is in Council mail h. Property Maintenance Computer – Lou Gara sent memo, cost is approx. $8,000. Wait for knowledge base. NEW BUSINESS Councilman Lamaestra noted that the lot in back of LaGrange Street does not drain even with the stone down. Stan Schrek stated the only way to fix that will be to add another inlet and more pipe. Councilwoman Wilson noted that Somerset Springs on First Avenue is not attractive to look at and asked if any grants were available to make aesthetic improvements. Councilman Lamaestra noted that the property acquired from Second Avenue to First Avenue is an eyesore and has cars and trucks for sale there and left parked for long periods of time. Councilwoman Wilson asked for ideas on how to let the public know that property maintenance is available in the evenings. Mayor Liptak noted that the retention pond in Cardinal Woods is overgrown. Public Comment: Kurt Bower, 142 Weiss Terrace, stated that the garage in his backyard is not being utilized as a race car shop. He noted that it has been inspected by Mr. D’Amore and there are no violations present. Bills List Councilwoman Wilson made motion to approve bills list, seconded by Council President Laggini. Upon call of the roll, motion was unanimously approved. Councilwoman Wilson made motion to adjourn, seconded by Council President Lagging. Upon call of the roll motion was unanimously passed. Meeting was adjourned at 9:36 pm. Respectfully submitted, Pamela A. Huefner, RMC, CMR Borough Clerk /pah