BOROUGH OF RARITAN
AGENDA MEETING
August 24, 2010
The Agenda Meeting of the Borough of Raritan Council was held on August 24, 2010 at the Municipal Building,
22 First Street, Raritan, NJ 08869 at 6:30 pm.
A. STATEMENT OF PUBLIC NOTICE
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.
B. ROLL CALL
Present: Victor Laggini, Maureen Wilson, John Lamaestra, Stefanie Gara, Greg Lobell and Denise Carra
Absent: None
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
C. DISCUSSION
1. ENGINEER’S REPORT
Stanley J. Schrek, Borough Engineer offered his report.
2009 Road Program
Work has been completed on Basilone Place and North Gaston Avenue.
Sidewalk replacement work has been completed on Danbury Ave. This project consists of partial sidewalk
replacement, milling, base repairs and paving. There are no curb repairs in the contract. Milling, base
repairs and overlay is scheduled for later this month.
Top Line has submitted an invoice for Progress Payment No.1 in the amount of $82,579.73. This is for work
completed to date. I did not have this to the Borough in time for the close of the voucher register.
I will be requesting that the Council approve the invoice for payment.
NJDOT Grant Applications
An application was submitted for improvements to LaGrange Street from Thompson Street to Elmer Street.
A resolution, in support of this application is on the agenda.
Cell Tower Bid
Through discussion with various telecommunications engineers, it is industry standard to keep a separation
of ground equipment in situations where several companies may be co-locating on a monopole. The separation
will require more than one platform which would occupy most of the roof area at the DPW garage.
Requiring a smaller area may be detrimental to the bid price. With this in mind, the bid specifications
should make no mention of adding DPW space to the roof area.
Councilman Victor Laggini questioned Mr. Anderson regarding the ongoing issue on Orlando Drive property
line dispute.
Mark Anderson responded that he has contacted the property owner for a copy of the survey they used to
claim ownership, to compare it to the Borough Engineer’s survey.
Councilman Victor Laggini questioned Mr. Schrek regarding an update on Canal Street Park. Mr. Schrek
noted that New Jersey American water has been doing work there because they have an easement.
Councilman Greg Lobell stated that he would follow up on the bench replacement at the park and the
possible installation of equipment.
Councilwoman Maureen Wilson asked for clarification on the Cell Tower Bid from Mr. Schrek with regards
to including the addition was integral to the whole thing to put additional area for Public Works use.
Mr. Schrek stated that the original idea of the addition was feasible when there would only be one
carrier, but with three or four users all want separate space and maximizes revenue to the Borough.
Councilman Lobell noted that increasing revenue from the Cell Tower to the Borough was the main goal,
not building an addition for Public Works.
Councilwoman Stefanie Gara agreed that getting the maximum revenue from the Cell Tower is most important.
Councilman John Lamaestra noted that previous discussions were had about creating adjoining addition to
the Public Works facility, but it was too costly.
Mr. Schrek warned the Council that including the addition as an alternate bid may limit the attraction
of coming to Raritan’s Cell Tower for vendors.
2. CAPITAL BUDGET
Daniel Jaxel presented the 2010 capital budget considerations dated August 10, 2010.
Fire Department:
A. Turnout gear washer/dryer - $25,000 OK
B. Emergency generator, North Thompson Street Firehouse - $55,000?
Recreation:
A. Security cameras for parks (Recreation Special Account?) - $15,000?
Public Works Department:
A. Replacement for two Ford mason (smaller) dump trucks - $95,000 OK
Other Roads/Public Works, Borough Engineer
A. Supplement to Transportation Trust Grant for reconstruction of Johnson Drive - $111,136 - OK
B. Reconstruction of various sewers - $50,000?
C. Reconstruction of Roderer Drive - $35,000?
D. Rebuild Ortho Drive Pump Station pumps - $200,000? (Can Ortho contribute?)
E. Supplement to Community Development Grant for reconstruction of Third St. - $45,000?
Total -
Mr. Jaxel stated that the capital budget dated 08/10/10 is streamlined and updated as of the last meeting.
He stated that Fire Chief Carl Memoli believed the generator would be of value. The security cameras for
the parks could be paid for out of the special account.
Mr. Schrek recommended allocating $100,000 to replace valves and piping on Third Street, but no budget, just
use the available grants funds.
Mayor Liptak questioned the greater benefit to the Fire Department, the washer and dryer or the generator.
Dan Jaxel stated that the items are not listed in order of priority.
Councilwoman Gara noted that she believes there are Fire/Rescue equipment grants available.
It will be researched and discussed further at the next grants committee meeting.
Councilman Lamaestra stated that the Department of Public Works would need the two dump trucks for snow removal
in the upcoming season.
Various members of the Governing Body expressed their concern with replacing both dump tracks in the same
budget year. The advanced age of the entire Public Works fleet was noted. Mayor Liptak requested to have
the opportunity to inspect the trucks in question at Borough Hall the following morning and welcomed any
member of Council who wanted to join her. The Governing Body discussed alternative options for replacement
parts and County assistance for repair of the trucks. The damaged that was incurred due to hurricane Floyd
was also noted. Councilwoman Wilson suggested only replacing one truck instead of both.
Councilman Lobell stated the he is still working on getting quotes for the security cameras at the parks and
he found out that power will be supplied by the Cardinal Woods pump station. Councilman Lobell is currently
looking into the proper wattage and light guards.
Daniel Jaxel reviewed the current agreed upon items. He noted that the generator can be removed,
Johnson Drive has to be completed due to the grant and the dump trucks are being researched.
Councilwoman Wilson commended the Public Works Department for doing so much with so little and getting all
use out of their vehicles and equipment.
Mayor Liptak expressed her desire to formulate a five to seven year capital plan.
Councilwoman Gara noted that next year the Police Department radio equipment would need to be replaced to
ensure 01-10-13 compliance.
Councilman Laggini questioned what should be done this year and noted his support for purchasing the trucks
this year if really needed.
Mr. Stanley J. Schrek noted that an asset evaluation should be done on the equipment. He stated that the
Ortho Drive pump station figure could be cut in half, Third Street could be removed and Roderer Drive can
simple be patched/repaired.
Councilman Laggini expressed his concern with the lasting ability of the turnout gear without having the
washer and dryer. Mayor Liptak suggested reaching out to another municipality to purchase as an
inter-local agreement or shared service.
3. PHASE III LIBRARY RESTORATION
Daniel Jaxel noted that $1,012 for twenty window locks is being considered for purchase by the Library
Board of Trustees. He also stated that the Library has requested painting of the front porch and noted that
the porch was not included in this bid within the scope of the project.
Councilman Lobell recalled addressing the painting issues at a previous meeting.
Mr. Jaxel noted that this authorization would be a change order and grant funds are available to use to
pay for the painting.
Councilman Lobell alerted the Governing Body to an issue with keeping the area near the stairs going into
the children’s room dry.
Mr. Schrek stated that he is aware of the issue; he will be taking a look at it tomorrow, and it maybe a
structural problem with the foundation and beam that is outside the scope of the project. He suggested
waiting until next meeting to authorize the change order for the painting.
Councilwoman Wilson noted that there has been an ongoing moisture issue with the children’s area.
Mr. Jaxel also noted a discrepancy with the painting of the windows due to the drafting style of the plan
drawings (not the language) and a meeting with the contractor has been scheduled to address the issues.
He noted it will cost approximately an additional $9,600.00 to paint the windows.
Councilman Lobell expressed a concern with the different paint shades on the Library building and it will
be discussed by the Library Board.
4. HOUSING ORDINANCE
Councilwoman Gara stated that a meeting with Mr. Jaxel, Councilman Lobell, Council President Carra,
Construction Official Lou Gara and Property Maintenance Official Frank Taddeo was held to discuss the
proposed housing ordinance. A follow-up meeting of the sub-committee will be scheduled within the next
two weeks to continue the discussion.
Mayor Liptak questioned to delay to introducing the ordinance.
Councilwoman Gara stated that the most urgent concern is the physical time and the additional number of
units to be inspected. She asserted that the sub-committee would like to evaluate all the available options,
software and close all the open items on the enforcement end.
5. POLICE SERGEANT VACANCY
Councilwoman Gara stated that at the last meeting a vote was not taken to decide how to proceed with the
filling of the vacant position of Police Sergeant. She read the applicable ordinance at the request of
the Mayor.
Councilman Lobell questioned what the alternative to following the ordinance would be.
Councilman Laggini questioned what could be added to the current ordinance.
Councilwoman Gara stated her support to follow the ordinance as it is presently written and to notify
every eligible officer of the intent to interview. Mayor Liptak clarified the meaning of a “Rice Notice”
for the audience.
Councilman Lobell stated that the alternative would be to re-write the ordinance. Councilwoman Gara
noted that the revision of the ordinance would authorize the Police Chief to interview and appoint the
sergeants without notification to all eligible officers.
Councilman Laggini expressed his desire to take into account the recommendation of the Police Chief when
evaluating candidates for the position.
Councilwoman Gara noted the need to give all candidates a fair shake and not allow politics to affect
the process. She named various organizations that can offer assistance to the Governing Body in conducting
the interview process and formulating the interview questions.
Mayor Liptak and Councilman Lobell expressed a desire to receive assistance with the questions.
It was decided that a formal motion and vote would be taken during the Regular Meeting under
committee reports.
6. POLICE DISPATCHERS
Councilwoman Gara deferred to Lt. McCormick regarding the explanation of the dispatcher issues.
Lt. McCormick stated the scheduling issues that have arose with the training of the new dispatchers while
using a part-time schedule. He noted that the dispatchers are working twelve hour shifts and there is
not enough time to train with the two designated TAC officers. He just wanted the Governing Body to be
aware of the extended training time due to the minimum number of training officers and the current
vacation schedule.
Councilman Lobell firmly stated his opposition to making the dispatchers full-time employees.
Councilman Laggini questioned alternative options.
Councilwoman Wilson asked if the Borough can get an exemption from the State to allow additional
TAC officers to perform training. Lt. McCormick stated that was highly unlikely.
Councilman Laggini questioned if there were other locations for receiving the training.
Lt. McCormick stated that the County does offer training, but that would probably lead to the dispatchers
leaving to seek employment at the County level.
7. MEET YOUR NEIGHBOR DAY COMMITTEE
Mayor Liptak stated that she would like the Meet Your Neighbor Day ad-hoc group to become a formal
bi-partisan committee appointed at the Annual Re-organization Meeting.
Councilman Laggini questioned the need to formalize this committee after four years.
Mayor Liptak stated that the perception is that this is a vehicle for democratic candidates and the money
collected should be regulated by the Borough.
Councilman Lobell stated that the formalization would allow the event to last beyond this Council’s terms.
Councilwoman Wilson noted that the current location is good.
8. RESIDENT ON Y PARKING SIGNS
Mayor Liptak expressed her desire to regulate the parking in the area around the Char Steakhouse with an
ordinance for no valet parking on public streets. Mark Anderson stated that the ordinance would apply
throughout the Borough.
Councilwoman Gara communicated with the Police Department regarding this issue and no report was produced
to support the need for this ordinance. She stated that maybe one side of the street parking only be
applied to the area.
Mayor Liptak suggested resident parking only stickers to regulate parking in the area.
9. Administration – Registrar’s Office
Daniel Jaxel noted that Connie Del Rocco appointed Rayna E. Harris to the position of Deputy Registrar of
Vital Statistics. Councilwoman Wilson stated that she would note this appointment during her committee report.
10. Loitering Ordinance
Councilwoman Gara stated that the Council has been waiting since May for this ordinance.
Mark Anderson stated that this ordinance may be introduced at the Regular Meeting.