Borough of Raritan Council Agenda Meeting February 16, 2010 The following notice was read: 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. Mayor Liptak called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Upon call of the roll: Mayor Liptak Councilman Laggini Councilwoman Wilson - Absent Councilman Lamaestra Councilwoman Gara Councilman Lobell Council President Carra Also present was: Daniel Jaxel, Borough Administrator Mark Anderson, Borough Attorney Stan Schrek, Borough Engineer - Absent Pamela Huefner, Borough Clerk Board of Health The Raritan Board of Health was present to advise the Mayor and Council that they had voted on and decided to merge with the County for shared health services. Paula Machala stated that John Horensky’s presentation was in order and all concerns were addressed. Raritan will keep animal licensing and Registrar services. Council noted that this measure is a cost savings to the taxpayers of Raritan, it will also increase the resources and services at our disposal. Engineer’s Report As Stan Schrek was unable to attend Mayor Liptak read the Engineers report. Municipal Building Roof Subsequent to the severe rain events that occurred in January, the Municipal Building was inspected to determine the source of water penetration into the Police Department (Lieutenant’s Office) and the Registrar/Vital Statistics Office. The leaking is due to failure and deterioration of the perimeter counter flashing. The new roof is intact and functioning. The scope of the repair will require removal of three courses of veneer brick, repainting of the rusted spandrel beams and installation of new shop fabricated thru-wall flashing. The estimated cost is $20,000. This may have to be funded through the upcoming capital budget. Until the project is funded , the building will sustain leakage, depending on the intensity and duration and direction of rain events. 2009 Sewer Billings We are processing data received from NJ American Water to enable determination of excess sewer usage. This involves review of 18,640 line items. We expect to complete the usage report and forward same to the CFO by the end of the month. 2010 TAX MAP REVISIONS The Borough Tax Assessor has provided our office with revisions to be included with the yearly tax map updates. This information will be added to the existing maps shortly. Caller ID Mayor Liptak stated this would be too costly and is not feasible. Police Accreditation Council President Carra stated that this accreditation is too costly at this time and can be revisited at a later date. Right now the police need a vehicle and the Detectives trailer needs to be revamped. Council agreed. Busky Lane Council discussed the options of a one way coming down the street, stop sign at the bottom of the hill, no right hand turn at the drop off point for the daycare center, speed table for traffic calming and one way going south. Stan to look into feasibility of speed table. Borough Web Site Councilman Lobell stated that the quotes were narrowed down to City Connections and Bruce Doorly. Dan asked Councilman Lobell to get a W-9 and Business Registration from Bruce Doorly. City Connections wanted $800 for set up and then $3,900 for maintenance. Mr. Doorly charged $1,000 for set up and then $40 per hour for updates. Council agreed to use Mr. Doorly. 2010 Budget Dan Jaxel stated that he now has all figures necessary to begin budget process, surplus is good and expenditures look favorable. He would like to set up a meeting with Warren Korecky, Council President Carra and Councilwoman Gara on March 2nd or 4th to begin preliminary process. Mayor Liptak noted that she wants the residents to get involved to let the Council know what is important to them and what they can live without. Sanitizing Council Chambers Councilman Laggini requested to see documentation on the process that Mr. Padovani uses and the residual. Next agenda place under old business. Somerville Court Mayor Liptak stated that we need to raise the fees charged to Somerville for use of our Court Chambers. It was noted that the grounds and building are a mess the day after their court and requires extra cleaning services. Dan Jaxel noted that here is talk now of regionalizing courts. Councilman Laggini stated that we have a good working relationship with Somerville and sharing of equipment, he does not want that affected. Councilwoman Gara noted that as a Borough we have extra expenses to cover. Mayor Liptak called for a vote, council was in unanimous agreement, with Councilman Laggini noting that he would have preferred a smaller increase. Bulk Garbage Council President Carra stated that there is a lot of abuse and illegal dumping in Raritan for the bulk pick up and thinks it should be cut down to a quarterly pick up. Councilman Laggini suggested we increase the fines for illegal dumping. Dan Jaxel stated that bulk is 12% of our tonnage. Councilwoman Gara suggested a meeting with Stan Schrek and Danny Laverde for further discussion. Paving on right of way Council President Carra stated the Environmental Commission is concerned that residents are pulling up grass and paving the right of way, they would like an ordinance written up to prevent this from happening. Quick Avenue Councilman Lobell stated people are coming out of Char and going down Quick Avenue, not knowing where they are going. He suggested a sign be placed at Quick and Farrand pointing to 202 or no left turn signs out of Char. Mayor Liptak noted that Dr. Scalia and Char have an agreement to let each other employees use the others lot when not open for business. Stan noted that Chief Hess did have signs put up and a resident did not want them on his property and pulled them out. First Avenue Park Councilman Lobell stated the park on First Avenue would be a good place for a dog park and the tennis courts on First Avenue need to be chained and locked. He suggested that the Council consider approaching the Raritan Social Club or some other organization to sponsor and help maintain a “dog park”. Road Job Rate Change for Police Councilwoman Gara provided everyone with a letter from the police, looking for an increase in road jobs. She had reached out to Manville, Somerville and Bridgewater and noted that we are behind on the fees we charge. We are currently getting $5.45 in admin fees and the vehicles are running, using our gas, wear and tear, etc… Fee should be charged to vendor by day and does not affect police officers. Next meeting for further discussion. Motion was made by Council President Carra and seconded by Councilman Lobell to move into Executive Session. Upon call of the roll motion was unanimously carried. Meeting adjourned at 7:41 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Pamela A. Huefner, RMC, CMR Borough Clerk