Borough of Raritan Council
Agenda Meeting
February 23, 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 6:31 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 - Absent
Pamela Huefner, Borough Clerk 

Engineer’s 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.

CDBG Applications

The County CBDG office is pushing back on our pre-application to add traffic calming and pedestrian safety improvements 
to Bell Avenue.  These improvements were recommended in the County study prepared in 2005 which also recommended
 CDBG as a funding source.  Now CDBG advises that the project is not applicable. We are pursuing this decision with the 
County. Meanwhile, a second application should be considered. I am suggesting improvements to Third Street. This road,
 including curb and sidewalk, is deteriorated and is in need of repair.  The project would coordinate with improvements to
 Johnson Drive which is now funded through the NJDT Transportation Trust Fund.

Credit Cards

Mayor Liptak stated that one component for accepting credit cards would be for taxes, after discussing with
 Karin Kneafsey, she did not think that would be a good idea. Possibly consider for train station parking and 
cat and dog licensing. Councilman Laggini asked what percentage the credit card companies take. 
Dan Jaxel stated NJ Transit said we could get a new box but they would not pay for it. Councilwoman Wilson 
noted that Somerville is doing a full makeover of their railroad parking lot and asked what their ability to pay is.
 Dan stated he would check into that. Mayor Liptak stated that she would even like to see parking meters like 
in Cape May. One central machine at the railroad parking lot would cost approximately $13,000. 
Councilman Laggini asked if we could charge more for customers paying by credit card, 
Mark Anderson replied yes, but some credit card issuers prohibit that. Dan Jaxel will supply box information 
to Council for further discussion. 

Charitable Clothing Bins

Mayor Liptak noted that she has a copy of the ordinance Paul Rizzo wrote and will look have this matter
 investigated further.

Snow Blower

Councilman Lamaestra stated that Public Works is requesting a new snow blower that would cost $2,499,
 they also obtained pricing on a cheaper one. He noted that he would like to talk to Public Works to gather 
more information, and that the Borough does not have the money for one right now. Dan Jaxel asked why 
this topic is being brought now. Councilwoman Gara stated the current one is over 15 years old and starting to
 show it’s age. Councilman Lamaestra stated that Public Works is thinking proactively before this one can no 
longer function. Councilwoman Wilson noted Public Works uses the blower for the parks in addition to the
 Municipal Building and Library.

Community Development Applications

Dan Jaxel stated that ADTI Housing and Learning Gate have both submitted applications, this needs to be
 brought up in regular session for public comment. Stan Schrek recommended that the Borough submit two
 applications, one for traffic calming on Bell Avenue (study already done) and 3rd Street which has 
deteriorating sidewalks, curbing and roadway.

Bulk Refuse – Dumping Penalty

Mayor Liptak stated the Manville Ordinance was distributed for discussion and the section on use of a sticker
 is a possibility. Mark Anderson is to draft an ordinance for review. Ashes and yard waste will not be allowed 
on bulk day. Dan Jaxel stated there are advantages and disadvantages to consider. Councilman Laggini 
stated he is against the sticker system but could consider quarterly bulk pick up. Councilman Lobell suggested 
every other month pick up. To be further discussed.

PO – Pump Station Clean Out

Dan Jaxel explained there is need to have the Ortho Drive, Route 28 and Cardinal Woods Pump Stations 
cleaned out. The quote from Russell Reid/Mr. John is $5,500. To be motioned in regular session.

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 7:10 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Pamela A. Huefner, RMC, CMR 
Borough Clerk