BOROUGH OF RARITAN
REGULAR MEETING
AUGUST 24, 2010
8:00 P.M.
The Regular Meeting of the Borough of Raritan Council was held on August 24, 2010 at the Municipal Building,
22 First Street, Raritan, NJ 08869 at 8:15 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, 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
Council President Carra presented the flag salute and prayer.
August 10, 2010 Agenda Meeting Minutes were presented for approval. Motion was made by Councilwoman Gara
to approve, seconded by Council President Carra. Motion carried on the following roll call vote.
MOTION SECOND NAME NAYS ABSTAIN ABSENT
X Gara X
Lobell X
X Carra X
Laggini X
Wilson X
Lamaestra X
August 10, 2010 Executive Session Minutes were presented for approval. Motion was made by Councilwoman Gara
to approve, seconded by Councilman Victor Laggini. Motion carried on the following roll call vote.
MOTION SECOND NAME NAYS ABSTAIN ABSENT
X Gara X
Lobell X
Carra X
X Laggini X
Wilson X
Lamaestra X
August 10, 2010 Regular Meeting Minutes were presented for approval. Motion was made by Councilwoman Gara
to approve, seconded by Council President Carra. Motion carried on the following roll call vote.
MOTION SECOND NAME NAYS ABSTAIN ABSENT
X Gara X
Lobell X
Carra X
X Laggini X
Wilson X
Lamaestra X
I. 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.
Enzo Padovani: He thanked the Mayor and Council for getting the grass cut. Mr. Padovani then questioned
the introduction of the revised housing ordinance affecting rental units.
Councilwoman Gara responded that an ordinance is currently in place, the proposed changes would be
amendments and there will be no additional fees.
Don Tozzi, 38 Glaser Avenue: He noted the success of last year’s Meet Your Neighbor Day. He then
addressed parking issues on certain streets and enforcement of weight limits.
Mark Gara, 21 Church Street: He expressed his concern over anonymous letters and urged the Governing Body
to take a vote on the policy relating to acceptance of anonymous letters. Mr. Gara stated his point of
view on the effects anonymous letters have on harassment victims. He addressed Councilman Victor Laggini
and Councilman John Lamaestra regarding blog posts on their democratic website.
Both Councilman Laggini and Councilman Lamaestra responded that they would review the website content.
II. INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES
Ordinance 2010-08
Council President Denise Carra moved and Councilman Victor Laggini seconded the adoption of Ordinance
2010-08 on First Reading. Motion carried.
An Ordinance Amending Chapter 73 Entitled “Street Openings” to Increase Penalties for Violations of
this Chapter
Public Hearing will be held on September 14, 2010 at 8:00 pm.
Ordinance 2010-09
Council President Denise Carra moved and Councilwoman Maureen Wilson seconded the adoption of Ordinance
2010-09 on First Reading. Motion carried.
An Ordinance Amending Chapter 26 Entitled “Environmental Protection” to Increase Penalties for Violations
of this Chapter
Public Hearing will be held on September 14, 2010 at 8:00 pm
Ordinance 2010-10
Council President Denise Carra moved and Councilwoman Maureen Wilson seconded the adoption of Ordinance
2010-10 on First Reading. Motion carried.
An Ordinance Replacing Section 52-7 of the Raritan Borough Code Entitled “Certain Types of Loitering Prohibited
” With a Prohibition on Sleeping In Public Places
Public Hearing will be held on September 14, 2010 at 8:00 pm
III. RESOLUTIONS
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING PARTICIPATION IN THE
REGIONAL CENTER PARTNERSHIP CHALLENGE GRANT PROGRAM
Councilman Greg Lobell moved to approve the resolution Authorizing Participation in the Regional Center
Partnership Challenge Grant Program and was seconded by Councilwoman Gara. Motion carried on the following
roll call vote.
WHERAS, the Regional Center Partnership of Somerset County, Inc. has created the Regional Center Partnership
Challenge Grant Program to help achieve broadly accepted goals and objectives of the Regional Center
Partnership, which include downtown redevelopment, neighborhood revitalization, connecting the three sub-centers
of the Regional Center and using the Center’s natural resources to shape development consistent with community
planning initiatives; and
WHEREAS, the Regional Center Partnership Executive Committee has approved the Regional Center Partnership
Challenge Grant Program and has made available grants in the amount of $20,000 to each municipality in the
Regional Center; and
WHEREAS, the Borough of Raritan desires to apply for a grant in the amount of $20,000.00 for the purpose of
preparing a Sustainable Element for the Master Plan that will advance the goals and objectives of the Regional
Center Partnership and the Regional Center Vision Initiative.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Borough of Raritan hereby authorizes the submission of a program
application for the Regional Center Partnership Challenge Grant.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Mayor and Clerk of the Borough of Raritan are hereby authorized to sign a
contract and such other documents which may be required between the Regional Center Partnership of
Somerset County, Inc. and the Borough of Raritan.
MOTION SECOND NAME NAYS ABSTAIN ABSENT
X Gara X
X Lobell X
Carra X
Laggini X
Wilson X
Lamaestra X
2010 RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING SUBMISSION OF AN APPLICATION
TO THE NEW JERSEY TRANSPORTATION TRUST FUND
Councilman Greg Lobell moved to approve the resolution Authorizing Submission of an Application to the
New Jersey Transportation Trust Fund and was seconded by Councilwoman Gara. Motion carried on the following
roll call vote.
WHEREAS, the Borough of Raritan wishes to submit an application to the New Jersey Transportation Trust Fund
for the LaGrange Street (Thompson Street to Elmer Street) Road Improvement Program.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Borough of Raritan that authorization for submission
through SAGE is hereby granted to the Borough Engineer on behalf of the Borough of Raritan.
MOTION SECOND NAME NAYS ABSTAIN ABSENT
X Gara X
X Lobell X
Carra X
Laggini X
Wilson X
Lamaestra X
RESOLUTION
THIRD STREET IMPROVEMENTS
Councilwoman Stefanie Gara moved to approve the resolution Third Street Improvements and was seconded by
Councilman Lobell. Motion carried on the following roll call vote.
WHEREAS, the Borough of Raritan wishes to enter into grant agreements with Somerset County for U.S. Department
of Housing and Urban Development Community Development funds for the following project:
PROJECT: IMPROVEMENTS THIRD STREET
GRANT AMOUNT: $55,000
SUB GRANT NO. 10-U160L-16
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Borough Council of the Borough of Raritan that the grant agreement for
the above project is approved and the Mayor and Borough Clerk are hereby authorized to sign agreement.
MOTION SECOND NAME NAYS ABSTAIN ABSENT
X Gara X
X Lobell X
Carra X
Laggini X
Wilson X
Lamaestra X
RESOLUTION
RAILROAD MONTHLY PARKING REFUND
Councilman Victor Laggini moved to approve the resolution Railroad Monthly Parking Refund and was seconded by
Council President Carra. 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 RailRoad Parking Decals to the following commuters:
Gowtham Gupta, 105 Porter Way East, Bridgewater, NJ 08807 Sept. to Dec. 2010 $160.00
MOTION SECOND NAME NAYS ABSTAIN ABSENT
Gara X
Lobell X
X Carra X
X Laggini X
Wilson X
Lamaestra X
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING ISSUANCE OF RAFFLE LICENSE
Councilwoman Stefanie Gara moved to approve the resolution Authorizing Issuance of Raffle License and was seconded
by Councilman Laggini. Motion carried on the following roll call vote.
WHEREAS, the following have made application to the Borough of Raritan, Somerset County, for a Raffle License; and
WHEREAS, said applications have been presented to the Governing Body and the Police Department for Findings and
Determinations; and
WHEREAS, the Clerk has reported that the proper fees have been paid;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Clerk be instructed to issue a Raffle license to the following:
NAME OF ORGANIZATION DATE OF RAFFLE
HSA St. Ann’s School November 6, 2010 at 8:00 pm
HSA St. Ann’s School November 6, 2010 at 9:00 pm (on-premise) HSA St. Ann’s School November 6, 2010 at 9:00 pm (off-premise)
HSA St. Ann’s School January –November 2011 (calendar)
MOTION SECOND NAME NAYS ABSTAIN ABSENT
X Gara X
Lobell X
Carra X
X Laggini X
Wilson X
Lamaestra X
IV. APPROVAL OF BILLS LIST
Motion was made by Council President Carra to approve bills list, the motion was seconded by Councilwoman Gara.
Motion was unanimously approved.
MOTION SECOND NAME NAYS ABSTAIN ABSENT
X Gara X
Lobell X
X Carra X
Laggini X
Wilson X
Lamaestra X
V. COMMITTEE REPORTS
Council President Carra made a motion to approve Progress payment No. 1 to Top Line in the amount of $82,579.73 and
the motion was seconded by Councilwoman Gara. Upon call of the roll, motion was unanimously approved.
Council President Carra reported on the Environmental Commission’s in conjunction with the Rutgers Cooperative
Extension rain barrel program. She also reported that the Raritan Garden Club and PNC Bank of Raritan will host
the annual community garage sale on Saturday, September 18th (rain date September 19th).
Councilman Laggini reported that Meet Your Neighbor Day will be held October 10th from 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Councilwoman Wilson reported for the Board of Health. She noted that Rayna E. Harris was appointed as Deputy
Registrar as of August 17, 2010 and the Somerset County Board of Health will be working with the Borough to
implement new NJ Department of Environmental Protection emergency generator testing procedures.
Councilwoman Wilson also reported for Buildings and Grounds noting the anticipation of the installation of
sensor light switches for the Council Chambers.
Councilman Lamaestra offered the Department of Public Works report. He also noted that operation Jersey Cares
will host the 8th Annual Veterans of America Day on Sunday, August 29th at 4:00 pm.
Councilwoman Gara reported for the Grants committee, the Planning Board and the Police Department.
Councilwoman Gara made a motion for the Administrator to issue letters of notification to all police officers
eligible to interview for the position of Sergeant and the motion was seconded by Councilman Lobell.
Upon a voice vote, the motion was approved.
Councilman Lobell reported for Recreation, Basilone Parade Committee, and the Library Board of Trustees.
He noted that Operation Jersey Cares had a packing event to ship 220 boxes to troops overseas.
Mayor Liptak noted the passing of Augustine “Auggie” Sena and Sara Memoli was named 4-H Member of the Year.
Mayor Liptak reported on various items of correspondence.
VI. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Item Removed – HVAC
VII. NEW BUSINESS
The Chamber of Commerce Car Show – Event organizer Jim McGuire submitted a request for permission to close
Doughty Street between Canal and Somerset Street. Dan Jaxel noted that Police Chief Ciesla is aware, a map
describing the closure is attached and the closure would require barricade placement and some police overtime.
Lieutenant McCormick noted the Police Department’s concerns with traffic and road closures. Mayor Liptak,
Councilwoman Wilson and Councilwoman Gara expressed their concern with incurring overtime.
Councilwoman Gara agreed to call the Chamber of Commerce directly to suggest changing the set-up to avoid
the need for road closure. No objection by the Governing Body to this communication was expressed.
Mayor Liptak asked for a vote on anonymous letters.
Councilwoman Gara made a motion for the Administrator to discard anonymous letters sent to the Borough offices,
and the motion was seconded by Councilman Lobell.
Daniel Jaxel, Administrator, stated that he always encourages complainants to leave their name, but the
complaint should be investigated as a practice. Mr. Jaxel noted that he understands the position of not wanting
to encourage acts of attack or retaliation, but should at least investigate the merit of the complaint even if
for some reason the person wants to maintain anonymity, to avoid placing the Borough in a situation of failing
to act. He agrees with filing the anonymous letters and complaints, but not immediate shredding.
Councilman John Lamaestra agreed with Daniel Jaxel that anonymous letters and complaints should be checked out
by the Administrator.
Councilwoman Maureen Wilson agreed that the Administrator should receive and investigate anonymous letters and
complaints. She expressed concern about complaints of over crowding and feels that needs to be investigated.
Councilwoman Wilson stated that having been a victim of a hate crime in which her property was destroyed she
knows the pain that is involved, but that is personal and a letter received is personal. That she does not
approve of at all.
Councilman Victor Laggini agreed with Councilwoman Wilson. He noted that he has been the victim of attacks
and feels Mr. Rispoli’s pain on anonymous letters of attack.
Council President Carra would like to leave it at the discretion of the Administrator and he will decide to
share it with the Mayor and Council.
Councilman Greg Lobell disagreed. He did not believe that an unsigned letter should be investigated.
Councilwoman Stefanie Gara agreed with Councilman Lobell. She stated that only an anonymous letter relating to
legitimate public safety issues should be shared with the Governing Body at the discretion of the Administrator.
Councilwoman Gara stated that most of the anonymous letters received are politically motivated attacks.
Mayor Jo-Ann Liptak stated that it has been her policy since election to shred anonymous letters. She noted
that she polled all the municipalities in the County and the majority referred the letters to the Administrator.
Mayor Liptak stated that there is a fine line on public safety and personal/political attacks.
Mark Anderson stated that the Council has the authority to establish a policy to authorize the Administrator
to handle with discretion anonymous correspondence and not distribute them to the Governing Body.
Mayor Liptak stated that specious, slanderous, disgusting natured material should not be distributed and the
Administrator should use the authority and discretion of the office to destroy the document. Mayor Liptak
asked for the Council’s agreement. The Council agreed by voice.
Council President Carra asked if the berries that fall on the sidewalk could be cleaned up because they are
slippery and hazardous.
VIII. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Don Tozzi, 38 Glaser Avenue: He noted Police Department bike event was great for the safety of children.
Mark Gara, 21 Church Street: He expressed his concern regarding the blog sites that was expressed by
Councilman Victor Laggini and Councilman John Lamaestra. He stated that their concern was similar in nature to
his concern regarding anonymous letters. He questioned why on their website were excerpts from the blog sites
were posted. Mr. Gara appreciates that now the anonymous letters will go through Daniel Jaxel.
Councilman Lamaestra responded to Mr. Gara’s comments, stating that he simply agreed with the Mayor’s
comment on the blog sites.
Councilman Laggini replied that he is tired of the blog and wants to work together with all the Council Members.
Marian Salerno, 134 Weiss Terrace: She stated that shortly before Auggie Sena’s death she and her husband
visited him.
Enzo Padovani: He suggested that Daniel Jaxel should shred the anonymous letters.
Anthony DeCicco, 10 Anderson Street: he stated his belief that Councilman Victor Laggini voted against his
June application based on political reasons.
Councilman Laggini responded that he did not have proper documentation and that is what determined his vote,
not politics.
IX. EXECUTIVE SESSION
Councilwoman Stefanie Gara motioned to open the Executive Session and was seconded by Council President Carra.
Motion carried.
Councilwoman Stefanie Gara motioned to adjourn the Executive Session and was seconded by
Councilman Victor Laggini. Motion carried.
X. ADJOURNMENT
Councilwoman Gara moved to adjourn the meeting and seconded by Council President Carra.
Motion carried on the following roll call vote. Meeting adjourned at 9:52 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Rayna E. Harris, RMC
Borough Clerk