BOROUGH OF RARITAN AGENDA MEETING Nov 9th The Agenda Meeting of the Borough of Raritan Council was held on November 9, 2010 in the Municipal Building, 22 First Street, Raritan, NJ 08869 at 6:43 pm. Mayor Jo-Ann Liptak presided and stated: Notice of this meeting has been made by advising The Courier News and the Star Ledger of the time, date and place of this meeting, posting a notice on the official bulletin board, on the Raritan Borough website, 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 DISCUSSION 1. ENGINEER’S REPORT Stanley J. Schrek offered the Borough Engineer’s report. Elizabeth Avenue We have ceased further work on this project until further directed by the Mayor and Council. Orlando Drive Field work has been completed. Data plotting is proceeding. I will have a more detailed update at the meeting. Cardinal Woods PS We are completing field work in order to prepare a bid specification for video inspection and mapping of the sanitary sewer system that is tributary to the Cardinal Woods pump station. We plan to bid this project for award prior to the end of the year. The inspection is not weather related and can occur during the winter months. The purpose of this inspection is to understand and evaluate the significant inflow and infiltration (I&I) problem that contributed to the shutdown of the pump station on October 1 of this year. This project is funded by a Somerset County Planning grant. Discussion on the above Engineer’s report followed. Councilwoman Wilson wanted to know who approached Mr. Schrek and if it was the same person that contacted her. Councilman Lobell wanted to know why the project stopped. Mayor Liptak responded that only the road extension stopped and the residents will not be charged, but the development may move forward with one person building on one lot. Mr. Schrek stated that there were different philosophies about how to calculate the charge to the area residents. Mark Anderson stated that the ordinance already indicates that the Borough of Raritan will pay half of the cost. Councilman Lobell stated that the person who owns the last house expressed concerns about increased traffic to him. Mr. Anderson noted that there was a question as to the Borough’s ability to make a paper street a parking lot. Councilwoman Wilson suggested someone contact the owner of the lot(s). Mr. Anderson explained the general calculation of assessment portions. Councilwoman Gara expressed her support for the driveway idea because it is less of an impact on the park area. It was agreed that the project should be postponed. Mr. Schrek noted that the lot 7 property line disputes will stand, but will verify at the next meeting. Mr. Schrek noted that he contacted Somerset County and the $50,000 can be used to do the mapping project. Councilman Lobell asked when the Roderer Drive project will begin. Mr. Schrek stated the project will begin in the spring. 2. GRANETZ PLACE – PAPER STREET Mr. Anderson advised the Governing Body that he researched the records associated with Granetz Place. He noted that if the Borough vacated the paper street they would not have control or authority over who the street would go to. Councilman Lobell questioned if the street would be used for access to the shopping center. Councilwoman Wilson questioned if anyone is paying taxes on the property. Mr. Anderson stated that the Tax Assessor would know who is responsible for the taxes. Mr. Schrek stated that there was an application before the Planning Board and after review the additional parking was deemed unnecessary, the vacation of the paper street would not be needed. Councilwoman Gara stated that the school application was approved and the paper street should be left alone and the parking was discussed. Councilman Lobell suggested that the interested parties should pay for the title search. 3. DECEMBER COUNCIL MEETING DATES Mayor Liptak suggested meeting only once in December. There was general agreement with meeting on December 14, 2010 instead of on both December 7 and 21, 2010. 4. ENERGY CONSERVATION GRANT Daniel Jaxel discussed the letter from Somerset County dated September 28, 2010 regarding the direct install program and directing the use of the services of Donnelly Energy Services. He contacted Donnelly and after meeting with them a proposal will be submitted within a week. Mr. Jaxel noted that the options before the Council are to either do $50,000 worth of improvements or fund a portion above the $50,000 grant. He noted that the deadline is December 31, 2010, Mr. Schrek must review the proposal and the Council must consider a resolution to authorize the contract. Mr. Schrek questioned if this is a direct grant or a reimbursement. Mr. Jaxel would find that information. 5. DOG PARK Councilman Lobell asked for the Council’s approval to authorize the resolution for the lease of the property for the Dog Park. Mayor Liptak questioned the details. Councilman Laggini stated that he walked the proposed area. Councilwoman Wilson wanted clarification on the resolution and the neighbors’ consent to the access of the proposed dog park. Mr. Anderson was directed to contact the adjoining properties owners regarding access and an agreement. Councilman Laggini questioned who would be responsible for the securing of the facility, but was in favor of the project. The resolution would be considered at the Regular Meeting. 6. CELL TOWER BIDS Mr. Jaxel noted that he prepared the standard bid documents and forwarded them to Mr. Anderson for review. He noted the tentative bid opening date is scheduled for December 14, 2010. Mr. Schrek noted that the Planning Board had no objection. There was general consent to go out to bid on the project. 7. CONSTRUCTION CODE FEES Jolanta Maziarz stated that in drafting the proposed ordinance, that she discovered inconsistencies with the Uniform Construction Code (UCC). She suggested relocating the imposition of up-to-date payment of property taxes before the issuance of a certificate of occupancy or permit to another place in the Code. Ms. Maziarz stated that the ordinance will be prepared for the November 23, 2010 meeting. PUBLIC COMMENTS No one spoke. A motion was made by Council President Carra and seconded by Councilwoman Wilson to move into Executive Session. Motion carried. Councilman Lobell motioned to close the Executive Session and to return to the normal order of business; the motion was seconded by Councilwoman Gara. Motion carried. ADJOURNMENT Councilman Lobell moved to adjourn the meeting and seconded by Councilman Laggini. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 7:53 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Rayna E. Harris, RMC Borough Clerk