Borough of Raritan Council Regular Meeting April 13, 2010 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 9:01 p.m. Upon call of the roll: Mayor Liptak Councilman Laggini Councilwoman Wilson Councilman Lamaestra Councilwoman Gara Councilman Lobell Council President Carra Also present was: Daniel Jaxel, Borough Administrator Mark Anderson, Borough Attorney Stan Schrek, Borough Engineer Pamela A. Huefner, Municipal Clerk Councilman Lamaestra presented the prayer and Pledge of Allegiance. Approval of Minutes January 12, 2010 Regular and Executive Session Minutes were presented for approval. Motion was made by Council President Carra to approve, seconded by Councilman Lobell. Upon call of the roll, motion was unanimously approved. January 26, 2010 Executive Session minutes were presented for approval. Motion was made by Councilwoman Gara to approve, seconded by Councilman Lobell. Upon call of the roll, motion was unanimously approved. February 16, 2010 Regular and Executive Session minutes were presented for approval. Motion was made by Councilman Lamaestra, seconded by Councilman Lobell. Upon call of the roll, Councilwoman Wilson abstained, rest of Council unanimously approved. February 23, 2010 Agenda, Regular and Executive Session minutes were presented for approval. Motion was made by Councilwoman Wilson, seconded by Councilman Lobell. Upon call of the roll, motion was unanimously approved. March 9, 2010 Regular and Executive Session minutes were presented for approval. Motion was made by Councilman Lamaestra, seconded by Councilman Lobell. Upon call of the roll, motion was unanimously approved. March 23, 2010 Agenda, Regular and Executive Session Minutes were presented for approval. Motion was made by Councilman Lamaestra, seconded by Councilman Lobell. Upon call of the roll, Councilwoman Wilson asked that the Regular Session minutes be tabled for revision, Agenda and Executive were unanimously approved. Public Comments Warren Salerno, Weiss Terrace, stated that at the last meeting Councilwoman Gara was going to request DPW to do a trailer count in the Borough and asked the status of that request. Councilwoman Gara stated that she had spoken with the police and there had been only 3 complaints on trailers and did not feel it was enough to warrant a count. Don Tozzi, 38 Glaser Avenue, made three points on the grass issue; 1. people won’t carry smelly grass down to DPW. 2. get specific bags for pick up of grass. 3. could create a fire hazard if people wont bring to DPW and will create a smelly mess. He advised to Council to explore options and possibly buy bags that the residents must purchase to dispose of grass. Adele Goetch, 6 Nevius Street, stated there is overcrowding issues in town, garbage accumulates in yards, 2 t.v’s in neighbors yard right now. There is no enforcement of the 2 hour parking streets and wants tickets being issued. She also noted that at 10 Nevius they are using the fence and trees to dry laundry and draping it everywhere. She also noted this same house has a bathtub in the backyard and waits until the grass is a foot high till it’s cut. Ms. Goetch asked why the known offenders are not looked at more closely and frequently. Lynn Bray, 101 Anderson, complained that the house across the street from her is continually blocking her driveway and apron, one morning she counted 17 people coming out of that residence and believes that it is a flop house for Maria’s cleaning service. She is afraid of what they would they do to her house or child if she complains but wants the housing laws enforced. Debbie Thomas, 36 Canal Street, stated that she is very fortunate to be on the Cultural and Historical Committee, and would like the Council to approve a resolution to formally recognize the committee and they would like a budget of approximately $200 to help with a few short term projects, such as framing old pictures and purchase recording device to get oral histories of older residents before that resource is lost. Ms. Thomas also wanted to know where the follow up was with the homes that have been on the radar for two years with overcrowding and trash issues. She wants an ordinance in place that strictly holds the landlords responsible for their properties. Mr. Starapoli, First Avenue, stated in his neighbors backyard there are three trailers including a boat, and John Deere tractor plus they have four garages for renting and storage and they never removed the leaves from last year in their yard. Mr. Starapoli noted that people move into town today don’t care what they are doing, it should be illegal to rent out garages, also fence is not suppose to be more than 6 feet tall but the green hedges are 16 feet tall in his neighbors yard and blocking the sun from him. He also stated that four of his neighbors have sprinkler systems which he hears the noise from and would like an ordinance to control them. Marion Salerno, Weiss Terrace, stated she was very upset that council agree they did not want trailers next to them but doing nothing about her problem, her husband was verbally attacked coming out of a planning board meeting with gutter language and this what they now have to contend with. She said neighbors are not neighbors any more they are your worst enemies. She also noted that before the Basilone Statue the sidewalks and town are disgusting. Mrs. Salerno said that she and her husband are in their 70’s and getting attacked, election time word on the street was “Salerno’s are complaining about you so vote on the ticket”. She stated they have lived in their house for 47 years. Kelly Warsal, 421 Vanderveer Road, thanked the Council for reconsidering putting the basketball court behind her house, she noted that people are cutting through her property and was dismayed to hear a basketball court may be going there. She is concerned about increased trespassing, noise and liability of people falling in her yard She also said that when she calls the police the kids have run off before they get there. Councilman Lobell stated that he will check on policing in that area. Mike Patente, Glaser Avenue, stated that the quality of life in Raritan has not been very good lately and was glad to see the Council brain storming on a cell tower ordinance. Mr. Patente noted there is another entrance to the Busky lane Park which needs to be fenced also. He also stated he would have no problems with bags for grass pick up or a sticker system. Mr. Patente stated the personnel goals and reviews are a good idea but there has to be good job definitions and goals set first, there is more work to be done before process can begin. Alex Salerno, 36 Anderson Street, stated that all heard emotional complaints about trailers and the challenges of their environment and the situation needs to be re-looked at and rethought. He stated that with 40 years experience those trailers are in violation. Councilman Laggini asked Council to revisit the trailer issue and informed the public that the Council looks to them to come forward with issues, he would like to bring back the old Raritan. He also asked how the cell tower ordinance came about. Mayor Liptak explained that it came to the Planning Board, a telecom company approached the Borough with query and there is already a business in town who offered their land to a cell company for a tower. Mark Gara, 21 Church Street, stated that he feels for people, where does the Council intend to leave people who own a boat? He also stated Winnebago’s and campers should not be included, three to four business trailers should not be allowed but people recreational vehicles should not be touched. He noted that talking between neighbors needs to be done. Alex Salerno stated that the job of the Council is to enforce the laws and it’s obvious that is not being done. Councilwoman Wilson stated that this discussion should be continued at another time and we need to research what other communities are doing on this topic for a starting point. Councilman Lobell stated a neighbor dispute is being brought to Council. INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCE ORDINANCE 01-10 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 33 ENTITLED “GARBAGE AND REFUSE” TO AMEND SECTION 33-24 ENTITLED “VIOLATIONS AND Penalties” Motion was made by Councilwoman Gara, seconded Councilman Laggini. Upon call of the roll, motion was unanimously approved and will be published according to law prior to final adoption. RESOLUTIONS RECYCLING ACT Motion was made to approve the above listed resolution by Council President Cara, seconded by Councilman Lobell. Roll call vote was as follows: Councilwoman Gara Aye Councilman Lobell Aye Council President Carra Aye Councilman Laggini Aye Councilwoman Wilson Aye Councilman Lamaestra Aye The above listed resolution was approved. RAILROAD MONTHLY PARKING REFUND Motion was made to approve the above listed resolution by Councilwoman Gara, seconded by Councilman Laggini. Roll call vote was as follows: Councilwoman Gara Aye Councilman Lobell Aye Council President Carra Aye Councilman Laggini Aye Councilwoman Wilson Aye Councilman Lamaestra Aye The above listed resolution was approved. MEMBER PARTICIPATION IN A COOPERATIVE PRICING SYSTEM Motion was made to approve the above listed resolution by Council President Cara, seconded by Councilwoman Gara. Roll call vote was as follows: Councilwoman Gara Aye Councilman Lobell Aye Council President Carra Aye Councilman Laggini Aye Councilwoman Wilson Aye Councilman Lamaestra Aye The above listed resolution was approved. Committee Reports: Council President Carra reported that there will be budget workshop on April 17th at 8:30 AM to continue reviewing line by line. She also noted the Freeholders will produce the County budget at their April 27th meeting at 7:00 p.m. Council President Carra reminded everyone to get out and vote on the School Budget April 20th, and reported the car wash brought in $1,500 for the month of March. The Courts brought in $22,398 for March, of which $11,217 went to the Borough. Council President Carra stated the Environmental Commission is inviting everyone to the April 24th, Canal Park clean up at 1:00 p.m. She also informed the public that the Raritan Social Club is sponsoring Operation Shoe Box at Michael’s Inn on April 21, from 7:00 to 11:00 p.m. Councilman Laggini read the fire report for the month of March and noted that it is available for public inspection at the Municipal Building. He also thanked all the volunteer departments for the rescue of two men from the Raritan River. Councilman Laggini thanked mutual aid for help in pumping out basements from the last flood and noted the Raritan fire trucks will be taking part in the June 19th, Somerville Parade Councilman Laggini reported that Energy Audit of the Borough was very informative; three representatives were present to discuss and review the audit. Councilman Laggini stated Mrs. Santos requested permission to use the bathrooms at Frelinghuysen Park from 10:30 to 12:30 for the Mental Health Awareness march. Council had no problems or issues with this request. It was also noted that Mrs. Santos will remove the ribbons that will be down Somerset Street on June 1st. Councilwoman Wilson advised the public that there will be a Board of Health meeting on April 14th at 6:30 PM. She also noted that the Board of Health brought in $150 for the month of March for food and beverage licenses. Councilwoman Wilson stated the Easter Egg Hunt Recreation held was fun and then asked for a moment of silence for Scott Brunkhorst who was killed in Afghanistan in early April of 2010. Councilman Lamaestra reported that Public Works has been busy chipping brush, cleaning the bathrooms and working on the parks in addition to their regular duties. Councilman Lamaestra also stated the next budget meeting is to be held on April 17th and there is going to be clean up done on the Gaston Avenue Brook. Councilwoman Gara reported the Chamber is holding a golf outing on June 23rd and the cost will be $175 per person, which includes breakfast and lunch. The Chamber is also working on putting together a street fair. Councilwoman Gara stated the police will be doing patrols on bicycles soon and that new pedestrian signs are on order from the County, vehicles must stop for pedestrians. She also noted the police received 1111 general calls for the month of March and the monthly report is on file in the police station for public information. Councilman Lobell stated Saturday the 17th at 11:00 a.m. is opening day for baseball/softball and thanked the Public Works department for all their work in cleaning up and getting the parks ready. He also reported the Library is holding a PT Barnum Show on Wednesday, April 26th at 6:30 p.m. Councilman Lobell noted the Library Board of Trustees is donating $100,000 to the Borough to help out tax payers. Mayor Liptak congratulated Bob Fulminante for completing the Recycling Coordinator Program and receiving his certificate. Mayor Liptak announced that Brain Appezato was appointed Chairman of the Ad Hoc Grants Committee. Mayor Liptak stated the Regional Center is looking at a “Youth on Main Street” program and would like Council input. She handed out information form the Regional Center for information. Unfinished Business a. General Code: met with attorney and reviewed half of personnel chapter. b. Hotel Tax – was on agenda NEW BUSINESS Councilwoman Wilson asked Stan Schrek to speak with contractor regarding the HVAC roof unit. Mr. Schrek noted he would prepare something for the next meeting. Council President Carra wants littering and paving between curb and sidewalk on next agenda. Councilman Lamaestra made motion to approve public auction of the unneeded 2004 Crown Victoria, seconded by Councilman Laggini. Upon call of the roll motion was unanimously approved. Councilman Lamaestra stated someone had spray painted the sideboards of the bocci court. Mayor Liptak stated that outdoor cafes need to be addressed by the Board of Health and Property Code Enforcement offices. Councilwoman Wilson stated there is graffiti along side the Raritan Crossing side of building Councilman Lamaestra stated someone spray painted “drugs” in white at NJ Transit. Councilwoman Gara noted she will make police aware of all the graffiti. Public Comment: Don Tozzi, stated he has heard rumor of a dog park in town and suggested looking into getting grants to help run it. He also cautioned about passing an ordinance on trailers in town and he stated he has an airplane hanger in his back yard. Council President Carra made motion to adjourn to Executive Session, seconded by Councilman Lobell. Upon call of the roll, motion was unanimously approved. Meeting was adjourned at 10:46 pm. Respectfully submitted, Pamela A. Huefner, RMC, CMR Borough Clerk /pah