Borough of Raritan Council Agenda Meeting January 26, 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 6:05 p.m. Upon call of the roll: Mayor Liptak Councilman Laggini - Absent 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 Pamela Huefner, Borough Clerk Engineer’s Report Energy Audits A letter was forwarded to Dome-Tech, the County’s consultant, indicating noted discrepancies in the draft report. To specifically omit the roof top units as they are only 1 or 2 years old and not at end of useful life. Sanitary Sewer Mapping The Borough is in receipt of a County Planning grant to enable mapping of the Borough’s sanitary sewer system. Existing maps are antiquated and unreliable. Initial mapping will be based on recent inspection documents associated with TV inspections and repairs. This is predominately within the CBDG area. Route 202/First Ave. Intersection NJDOT, in conjunction with Somerset County, held a meeting on January 15 to review alternatives and conceptual design of improvements to the Route 202/First Avenue Intersection. Also in attendance were Mayor Liptak, Council President Cara and Chief Hess. The County is active involved with moving improvements to the intersection which is current at a failed peak hour level of service in all directions. The Raritan representatives, present, gave local insight into particular problems at the intersections and related approached. The NJDOT design consultant will apply the suggestions from the meeting and report back with a modified design. According to the NJDOT personnel at the meeting, this intersection is of high priority to receive funding. Also discussed was the merge of the Route 287 off ramps to Route 202/206 South adjacent to the Bridgewater Mall. Although this project is in Bridgewater, the Raritan representatives were afforded the opportunity to give local input. Sustainable NJ This past Wednesday, I attended a workshop sponsored by Sustainable NJ. The workshop was sponsored by the NJBPU and PSE&G. Discussed were the opportunities available to municipalities to assist and encourage residents and businesses to participate in State programs to “green” their communities and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Cash rebates and points under Sustainable NJ will be available to the municipalities. The cash rebates will assist the municipalities in funding the programs. If Raritan really wants to participate in Sustainable NJ in other than name only, the RBEC is probably best to lead the effort. This will require time and work. In attendance, at the workshop, were members of ECs of other towns. One of the speakers was a member of the Lambertville EC. Council would like to get Planning Board involved in creating a Sustainable Master Plan. Stan Schrek would like to get the Environmental Commission on board to encourage residents to buy energy star rated appliances. Stan noted that on the NJ American Water website, the 2008 report is there but not the 2009. Council President Carra stated that Jane Fedicaro suggested in front of the Library to plant a new tree. Stan noted that there are a lot of underground utilities there and he will check into that spot. Rodgers Group Presentation on Police Accreditation Mr. Rodger was present to explain the accreditation process and time involved in pursuing. He stated that if we adopted 112 of the 460 National Standards we could receive a reduction in liability insurance. The program must be completed within three years or we are out of the program. The charge to the Borough for this service would be $34,000. This is a voluntary program. Council made no final decision, to be discussed at next meeting. Vehicle Auction Dan Jaxel recommended that Council authorize the auction of a 2004 Crown Victoria 1577248 that is no longer of viable use. Councilwoman Wilson suggested that this vehicle be available for use by the Property Maintenance Official instead of his personal car for Borough business. She asked how reliable the vehicle is and Dan advised her that the Chief had some concerns with the vehicle. Councilwoman Wilson suggested that Dan should then speak with the Property Maintenance Official about mileage reimbursement. Board of Health Joint Meeting Dan to check with Board of Health to see if they could attend our next Council Meeting on the 9th of February. Borough Web Site Several firms had submitted proposals for the design and upkeep of the Borough web site. Council agreed to look further into the two lowest proposals which were from Bruce Doorley and City Connections. Councilman Lobell and Dan will compare both proposals and report to Council on his findings. PSE&G Direct Install Program Dan informed Council that 80% of the cost of conversion would be paid for by PSE&G. We in receipt of the audit from Somerset County, which PSE&G would accept to complete the recommended changes. The additional 20%, the Borough could repay within 24 months. TO be motioned in regular session. Caller ID Council discussed the pros and cons of having caller ID installed in the Municipal Building. Dan informed Council that the cost quoted to him was $9.50 per month per line. Councilwoman Wilson was concerned that this could be used to screen calls. Councilman Lamaestra was concerned that this could be an invasion of privacy to residents. To be motioned in regular session. COAH Mediation Representation Mayor Liptak suggested Susan Rubright, Tom Granahan, John Lamaestra and Dave Maskey be appointed to serve the COAH Mediation. Council agreed. Councilwoman Wilson made note that Susan Rubright is the highest paid Borough professional and it should be made clear to her that she is not to send several associates. Mayor Liptak agreed to have this subject brought up at a planning board meeting. Hazardous Busing Contract Mayor Liptak reported to Council that changes were made from the original listing, and children living within walking distance were removed. The current revised rate is $52,137.00. Mark Anderson suggested we hold off on passing resolution until certification of funds is received or passing of special temporary budget. Next meeting. Road Job Rate Change for Police Tabled Busky Lane Tabled to next meeting. Public Works Report Special meeting set for February 8th, 2010 at 6:00 p.m. Sanitization of Court Room Tabled Orlando Drive Funding Councilwoman Wilson received information from Senator Lautenberg’s office advising of funding for projects that are ready to go, she asked Stan Schrek to apply for that funding. Council Packets Councilman Lobell made motion for Police to no longer deliver Council packets, motion was seconded by Councilwoman Gara. Roll call vote was as follows: Councilwoman Wilson Nay Councilman Lamaestra Nay Councilwoman Gara Aye Councilman Lobell Aye Council President Carra Aye Councilwoman Wilson stated that packet delivery is community policing 101 and that neighbors like to see the police in various neighborhoods. Motion was approved Motion was made by Councilwoman Gara and seconded by Councilman Lobell to move into Executive Session. Upon call of the roll motion was unanimously carried. Meeting adjourned at 7:37 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Pamela A. Huefner, RMC, CMR Borough Clerk