Borough of Raritan Council
Regular Meeting
August 10, 2010
The Regular Meeting of the Borough of Raritan Council was held on August 10, 2010 at the Municipal
Building, 22 First Street, Raritan, NJ 08869 at 8:25 pm.
Mayor Jo-Ann Liptak presided and stated: Notice of this meeting has been made by advising the
Somerset Messenger Gazette and The Courier News of the time, date and place of this 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.
ROLL CALL
Present: Victor Laggini, Maureen Wilson, John Lamaestra, Stefanie Gara, and Denise Carra
Absent: Greg Lobell
Also Present: Mayor Jo-Ann Liptak; Daniel Jaxel, Borough Administrator; Mark Anderson,
Borough Attorney; Stanley J. Schrek, Borough Engineer and Rayna E. Harris, Borough Clerk
Council President Carra presented the flag salute and prayer.
June 7, 2010 Executive Session Minutes were presented for approval. Motion was made by Councilwoman
Gara to approve, seconded by Council President Carra. Upon call of the roll, motion was unanimously approved.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
At this point the Borough Council welcomes comments from any member of the public. To help facilitate an orderly
meeting and to permit the opportunity for anyone who wishes to be heard, speakers are asked to limit their
comments to 5 minutes. If reading from a prepared statement, please provide a copy and email a copy to the
Clerk’s Office after making your comments.
Al Smith, West Somerset Street: Stated that an annual audit is performed for the Board of Education per
State statute and is available for review. Mayor Liptak thanked him for the information.
Ron Rispoli, 22 Woodmere Street: Read from a prepared statement about an anonymous letter sent to the Mayor,
Council and Police Department. He expressed his concerns about being targeted within the anonymous letter
for having his truck briefly block the sidewalk and he stated his belief that the letter was a political ploy.
Keith Steele, 75 West Somerset Street: Expressed his concern about homeless persons loitering outside his
establishment, the Raritan Zone Laundry, and using the laundry mat bathroom to sleep and drink alcoholic
beverages. He stated that he has contacted the Police Department on previous occasions. Mr. Steele requested
that the bench in front of his store be removed and that an ordinance be passed to restrict loitering and
public sleeping. Mayor Liptak thanked Mr. Steele for bringing this to the attention of the Governing Body.
Chief Ciesla directed Mr. Steele to asked the unwanted persons to leave and then to call the Police
Department to report the trespassing.
Vera DeLosh, 716 Foothill Road, Bridgewater: Stated her concerns regarding the parking issues due to Char
and the Doctor’s office. She noted that the doctor’s office parking is less of an issue now. The valet
service offered by Char is parking cars on the surrounding streets, limiting the access to on-street
parking by the residents and causing some body damage to vehicles in the area. Mayor Liptak addressed
Ms. DeLosh’s concerns and stated that she is waiting for a report from the Zoning Officer.
Warren Salerno, Weiss Terrace: Stated that he does not send anonymous letters and any correspondence
he sends has his name included.
RESOLUTIONS
RESOLUTION
2010 SALARIES
Council President Carra moved to approve Resolution 2010 Salaries and was seconded by Councilwoman Gara.
Motion carried on the following roll call vote.
BE IT RESOLVED by the Borough Council of the Borough of Raritan that pursuant to the minimum and maximum
salary provisions of Raritan Borough Ordinance 09-04, the following base salaries and wages are fixed for
the respective offices and employments for 2010 and these shall be retroactive to January 1, 2010,
unless otherwise stipulated;
OFFICE OR EMPLOYMENT 2010
Administrative Assistant, Construction Office $11.00/hr.
Administrative Assistant 42,112
Building Subcode Official/Housing Inspector 35.70/hr.
Arts & Crafts Instructor 10.00- 12.00/hr.
Assistant Recreation Director 10.00/hr.
Bookkeeper, Library 19.00/hr.
Borough Administrator 93,116.
Borough Clerk 1/1/10 – 8/6/10 56,545.
Borough Clerk 8/9/10 – 12/31/10 51,545.
Assistant to Registrar 8/9/10 – 12/31/10 5,000.
Chief Financial Officer 4/13/09 – 12/31/09 68,000.
Construction Official, Building Inspector, Administrative/
Zoning Officer/Plumbing Subcode Official,
Housing Official 81,934.
Court Administrator 49,797.
Custodian 24.59/hr.
Custodian Helper 21.85/hr.
Deputy Court Adminisrator 28.28/hr.
Deputy Registrar of Vital Statistics 1/1/10 – 8/6/10 600.
Election Officer 350.
Fire Official 25,/hr.
Fire Subcode Official 35.70/hr.
Judge of the Municipal Court 23,529.
Library Director 40,000.
Library Aides 10.00/hr.
Library Assistant 10.92-/11.56 hr.
Life Guard 10.00- 14.50/hr.
Playground Instructor 7.50 –9.50/hr
Police Chief 102,000.
Police Dispatcher 34,237.
Police Dispatcher, beginning of third year 35,863.
Police Secretary 38,293.
Police Dispatcher, part time 12.00 – 14.00/hr.
Principal Library Assistant 30,000.
Property Maintenance Code Official 20.00/hr.
Prosecutor 7,843.
Public Defender 3,922.
Public Works Superintendent 70,340.
Recreation Director 14,267.
Registrar of Vital Statistics 10,661.
Score Keeper 11.00/game – 12.50/game
Secretary to Board of Adjustment 2,485.
Secretary to Board of Health 1,093.
Secretary to Environment Commission 1,093.
Secretary to Planning Board 2,485.
Secretary to Recreation Commission 1,360.
Summer Help, Public Works 10.00/hr.
Tax Collector 41,000
Technical Assistant/Construction Official/
Clerk/Tax Assessment Offices 38,243.
Umpires 15/55 game
Youth Services Coordinator/Library 27,316.
As per Ordinance 05-01:
Mayor $2,000
Councilperson $1,500
Dated: August 10, 2010
MOTION SECOND NAME YEAS NAYS ABSTAIN ABSENT
X Gara X
Lobell X
X Carra X
Laggini X
Wilson X
Lamaestra X
RESOLUTION
RAILROAD MONTHLY PARKING REFUND
Council President Carra moved to approve Resolution Railroad Monthly Parking Refund and was seconded
by Councilwoman Wilson. Motion carried on the following roll call vote.
WHEREAS, the Administrator has informed the CFO that the purchaser of a monthly parking decal sticker
has returned the unused portion of the sticker and has requested that his/her money be refunded.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Raritan Borough Council that the CFO is hereby authorized to
refund monthly Rail Road Parking Decals to the following commuters:
Kung Kuo Li, 3 Upper Neshanic Court, Hillsborough, NJ 08844, Aug. to December 2010 $200.
MOTION SECOND NAME YEAS NAYS ABSTAIN ABSENT
Gara X
Lobell X
X Carra X
Laggini X
X Wilson X
Lamaestra X
RESOLUTION
TO EXTEND THE TAX COLLECTION GRACE PERIOD
For 3RD QUARTER
Council President Carra moved to approve Resolution to Extend the Tax Collection Grace Period for
3rd Quarter and was seconded by Councilwoman Gara. Motion carried on the following roll call vote.
WHEREAS, if the Borough of Raritan does not receive the tax rate until the time to mail they bills
dictated by statute has passed, and
WHEREAS, without those numbers the tax bills cannot be printed and mailed in accordance with state
statute regarding delivery; and
WHEREAS, the delayed mailing of the tax bills may prevent the Borough of Raritan taxpayers from the
timely payment of their third quarter taxes, through no fault of their own; and
WHEREAS, the tax collector will be forced to mail all of the new tax bills at a later date:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Borough Council of the Borough of Raritan, in the County of
Somerset and the State of New Jersey, as follows:
1. The date from which interest will be incurred for the late payment of the Third Quarter
(or extended third quarter) real estate taxes to the Borough of Raritan will be printed on the
tax bills.
2. The due date for the 4th Quarter tax payment will remain November 1, with the grace period
extending through November 10th.
3. In the event that the 3rd Quarter tax payment is received after the extended due date
interest shall be calculated from August 1, pursuant to C72 of PL 1994 until the date of
the actual payment.
4. This modification applies only to the tax payment due August 1.
MOTION SECOND NAME YEAS NAYS ABSTAIN ABSENT
X Gara X
Lobell X
X Carra X
Laggini X
Wilson X
Lamaestra X
RESOLUTION
GOVERNING BODY CERTIFICATION OF THE ANNUAL AUDIT
Council President Carra moved to approve Resolution Governing Body Certification of the Annual
seconded by Councilman Lamaestra. Motion carried on the following roll call vote.
WHEREAS, N.J.S.A. 40A:5-4 requires the governing body of every local unit to have made an annual
audit of its books, accounts and financial transactions; and
WHEREAS, the Annual Report of Audit for the year 2009 has been filed by a Registered Municipal accountant
with the Municipal Clerk pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:5-6, and a copy has been received by each member of
the governing body: and
WHEREAS, the Local Finance Board of the State of New Jersey is authorizes to prescribe reports
pertaining to the local fiscal affairs; as per R.S. 52:27BB-34
WHEREAS, the Local Finance Board has promulgated a regulation requiring that the governing body of each
municipality shall, by resolution certify to the Local Finance board of the State of New Jersey that
all members of the governing body have reviewed, as a minimum, the sections of the annual audit entitled:
General Comments
Recommendations
and
WHEREAS, the members of the governing body have personally reviewed, as a minimum, the Annual Report of Audit,
and specifically the sections of the Annual Audit entitled:
General Comments
Recommendations
as evidenced by the group affidavit form of the governing body, and
WHEREAS, such resolution of certification shall be adopted by the Governing Body no later than forty-five days
after the receipt of the annual audit, as per the regulations of the Local Finance Board, and
WHEREAS, all members of the governing body have received and have familiarized themselves with, at least,
the minimum requirements of the Local Finance Board of the State of New Jersey, as stated aforesaid and have
subscribed to the affidavit, as provided by the Local Finance Board; and
WHEREAS, failure to comply with the regulations of the Local Finance Board of the State of New Jersey may subject
the members of the local governing body to the penalty provisions of R.S. 52:27BB-52, to wit;
R.S. 52-27BB-52 – “ A local officer or member of a local governing body who, after a
date fixed for compliance, fails or refuses to obey an order of the director (Director of
Local Government Services), under the provisions of this Article, shall be guilty of a
Misdemeanor and, upon conviction, may be fined not more than one thousand dollars
($1,000.00) or imprisoned for not more than one year, or both, in addition shall forfeit his office.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Borough Council of the Borough of Raritan, hereby states that it has
complied with the promulgation of the Local Finance Board of the State of New Jersey dated July 30, 1968 and
does hereby submit a certified copy of this resolution and the required affidavit to said Board to show
evidence of said compliance.
MOTION SECOND NAME YEAS NAYS ABSTAIN ABSENT
Gara X
Lobell X
X Carra X
Laggini X
Wilson X
X Lamaestra X
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Council President Carra reported that the 2010 tax rate is 2.248, the tax bills were mailed August 10, 2010 and
the grace period has been extended to September 10, 2010. She noted that bids were received on Bond Anticipation
Notes in June. Council President Carra offered the municipal court and car wash reports. She reported that
the Environmental Commission in conjunction with the Rutgers Cooperative Extension will hold a rain barrel program.
Council President reported on the condition and repairs of the golf range across from Stop & Shop.
Councilman Laggini made motion to approve the purchase order request to Fastenal in the amount of $1,580.80 and
the motion was seconded by Councilman Lamaestra. Upon call of the roll, motion was unanimously approved.
Councilman Laggini reported for the Fire Department. He noted that the Somerville Fire Department will cover
alarms on September 10th and 11th due to attendance at the NJ State Fireman’s Association Convention and the Weekend
Journey through the Past will be held October 9th and 10th at the Anderson Street Firehouse. Councilman Laggini noted
that he attended a Regional Center meeting in July and Meet Your Neighbor Day will be held October 10th from
12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. He also responded to Mr. Rispoli’s statement about anonymous letters and shares his concern.
Councilwoman Wilson offered the Board of Health report and noted the 6 reported dog bites since May.
Councilwoman Wilson made motion to approve the purchase order request to the Somerset County Park Commission –
Therapeutic Recreation Department in the amount of $2,030.00 and the motion was seconded by Councilman Lamaestra.
Upon call of the roll, motion was unanimously approved.
Councilwoman Wilson made motion to approve the purchase order request to Ben Shaffer & Associates, Inc. in the amount
of $7,785.00 and the motion was seconded by Councilman Lamaestra. Upon call of the roll, motion was
unanimously approved.
Councilwoman Wilson made motion to approve the purchase order request to Corby Associates, Inc. in the amount of
$11,385.00 and the motion was seconded by Councilwoman Gara. Upon call of the roll, motion was unanimously approved.
Councilwoman Wilson made motion to approve the purchase order request to BCI Burke Co. in the amount of $8,620.64 and
the motion was seconded by Councilwoman Gara. Upon call of the roll, motion was unanimously approved.
Councilwoman Wilson made motion to approve the purchase order request to Screen Styles in the amount of $5,570.45 and
the motion was seconded by Councilman Laggini. Upon call of the roll, motion was unanimously approved.
Councilman Lamaestra offered the Department of Public Works report. He noted that the high school finally received
a settlement on the roof issue after 14 years.
RESOLUTION – 2011 GARBAGE TRUCK
Councilman Lamaestra moved to approve Resolution 2011 Garbage Truck seconded by Council President Carra.
Motion carried on the following roll call vote.
APPROVAL OF BID FOR THE BOROUGH’S PURCHASE OF A NEW 2011 VOLVO MODEL VHD64B GARBAGE TRUCK, REAR LOADER,
BRAND NAME OR EQUIVALENT
WHEREAS, bids for the Borough’s contract to purchase a new 2011 Volvo Model VHD64B Garbage Truck, Rear Loader,
Brand Name or Equivalent were received and unsealed at the Borough Council meeting on June 22, 2010; and
WHEREAS, three bids were received; and
WHEREAS, the lowest bidder submitted its bid for the Borough’s purchase substituting the New Way King Cobra model
Garbage Truck as an equivalent model to the Volvo Model VHD64B Garbage Truck; and
WHEREAS, the Director of the Department of Public Works has thoroughly investigated the difference between the
Volvo Model VHD64B Garbage Truck and the New Way King Cobra Garbage Truck and has determined that the New Way
King Cobra Garbage Truck is not equivalent to the bid specifications; and
WHEREAS, the Borough Council finds, based upon the determination of the Director of the Department of Public Works,
that the lowest bid does not conform to the equipment described in the specifications; and
WHEREAS, Cambria Automotive Companies, Inc. was the second lowest bidder and its bid is in compliance with the
bid specifications;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Borough Council of the Borough of Raritan that the award of the contract
for the purchase a new 2011 Volvo Model VHD64B Garbage Truck, Rear Loader, Brand Name or Equivalent is awarded to
Cambria Automotive Companies, Inc. in the amount of $178,212.00 less the $6,000.00 trade in value of the Borough’s
1986 Mack Garbage Truck, a total award of $172,212.00.
MOTION SECOND NAME YEAS NAYS ABSTAIN ABSENT
Gara X
Lobell X
X Carra X
Laggini X
Wilson X
X Lamaestra X
Councilwoman Gara reported for Grant Committee and will meet on the 4th Wednesday of each month. She also reported
for the Planning Board, Personnel, the Library and Police. Councilwoman Gara noted the Block Party will be held
on September 17th from 7:00-11:00 p.m. on Somerset Street from Thompson to Anderson. She encouraged residents to
participate in the New Jersey Special Needs Registry (Register Ready).
Mayor Liptak appointed members to the Cultural and Heritage Committee to serve from August through December 2010.
The members appointed are Jane Fidecaro, Jim Fidecaro, Dan Soriano, Al Capetta, Debbie Thomas, Karen Eastland and
Councilman Greg Lobell. She questioned the appointment process to the Meet My Neighbor Day Committee and
suggested it be a Council approved and appointed committee beginning January 2011. Mayor Liptak reported on
various items of correspondence.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Mr. Anderson reported that the General Code – Received Draft, meeting with Attorney, ˝ of personnel chapter completed.
NEW BUSINESS
Mayor Liptak stated that Stop & Shop will hire a cart attendant to monitor and patrol shopping carts
leaving the premises.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Ron Rispoli, 22 Woodmere Street: Stated that anonymous letters should be ignored.
Anthony DeCicco, 10 Anderson Street: Stated his concerns regarding the parking issue involving Char restaurant and the
response by the Governing Body to the issue.
ADJOURNMENT
Councilwoman Gara moved to adjourn the meeting and the motion was seconded by Council President Carra.
Motion carried on the following roll call vote. Meeting adjourned at 9:40 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Rayna E. Harris, RMC
Borough Clerk