BOROUGH OF RARITAN AGENDA MEETING OCT 12, 2010 The Agenda Meeting of the Borough of Raritan Council was held on October 12, 2010 in the Municipal Building, 22 First Street, Raritan, NJ 08869 at 6:42 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. 2009 Road Program This project has been completed. Punchlist items have been addressed. Cell Tower Bid It is understood that representatives from T-Mobile visited the DPW yard to determine possible locations of the cell tower and ancillary equipment. Their suggestions, once received, will be reviewed for possible inclusion in the bid documents. Elizabeth Avenue A public hearing will be scheduled for October 12, at 6pm, preceding the Council meeting. The purpose of the meeting will be to inform the local community of the proposed extension of Elizabeth Avenue. As a basis for distribution of notice, a 200’ list, from the established Elizabeth Avenue ROW, was prepared. Orlando Drive Field work is progressing. Cardinal Woods PS The severe storm event on October 1 caused significant flooding at the Cardinal Woods Pump Station resulting in a complete shutdown of station. Pumping Service responded immediately to the float alarm and set up a bypass. Both pumps were removed. One pump was completely clogged with rags and the second suction pipe was clogged with a large ball of rags about 6’ down from the pump. Pumping Services removed the equipment and took it to their shop for repair of replacement as evaluated. The priming compressors were flooded and need replacement (both are original, 17 years old). The dehumidifier and space heaters will be replaced. The sump pump will be inspected and replaced if required. The electrical control panel was completely submerged and must be replaced. Both pump motors will be cleaned and baked. We are expecting a cost estimate for the repairs and the emergency operations by the time of the Council meeting. Other items that will require consideration: 1. Install pumps that are less prone to clogging. Flygt N-pump has technology that provides a floating impellor. 2. Move the ECP to the building. 3. Install a permanent bypass connection to the forcemain. 4. Investigate the source of inflow and infiltration. Once the rains stopped, around 3pm, the incoming surge dropped significantly. Why this newer section of the Borough has this I & I problem is baffling. The Borough should commend Pumping Services for there response and professionalism during this event. I do not know of any backup complaints. This could have been disaster. Willow Walk Willow Walk is proceeding with permitting for the conversion project. One permit required is for sewer extension. This permit requires the signature of the Borough Engineer for consent of the owner of the conveyance system. Authorization for signature must be per Council Resolution. Discussion on the above Engineer’s report followed. Councilwoman Maureen Wilson stated that a previous study was completed and the reason for the clogs was found to be plastic bags. Mr. Schrek commented that the problem with the system was not clogs, but the high volume of water. Mr. Schrek noted that he made a request to Daniel Jaxel to change the capital budget to reflect various pumping stations. Various Governing Body members discussed sending informational letters to residents on the do’s and don’ts of sewer use. Councilwoman Stefanie Gara questioned work happening at the Willow Walk site, stating that her understanding was that DEP approval is necessary before work can take place on the site. Mr. Schrek that the sewer extension permits is a necessary part of the process in order to receive DEP approval. He agreed to notify the Governing Body when Willow Walk obtains DEP clearance. 2. PROPOSED DOG PARK Councilman Greg Lobell noted that there are rules and regulations that need to be met before the agreement with Somerset County can be finalized. He noted various safeguards and features that are hoped to be in place to ensure the safety of the dog park users and the people in the surrounding area, such as fencing, gates and restricted hours of access. Councilman Lobell stated that the Raritan Police can enforce the curfew and the park will be covered under the Borough’s insurance. Mayor Liptak questioned which entity has authority over the park. Councilwoman Gara noted that the jurisdiction should be clearly identified. Councilwoman Wilson suggested getting copies of the rules of other area dog parks for reference. Mayor Liptak noted that the steps leading into the park area could be an issue during in climate weather. Councilman Lobell suggested locking the gate leading to the steps and agreed to contact the County Park Commission for information regarding closings. 3. LIBRARY SALARIES Councilman Lobell stated that the library salaries are not a Council issue because they are authorized by the Library Board of Trustees and the State of New Jersey determines the municipal contribution to the libraries. He noted that the salary adjustments addressed in the September 27, 2010 correspondence were at least a year and a half over due. Councilman Lobell held that the library is currently operating with fewer employees than two (2) years ago with extended hours of service to the public. Mark Anderson suggested that there should be an agreement in place for the provision of payroll services to the library. Various Council persons expressed concern over the autonomy of the Library Board of Trustees and the ability to authorize raise. Council reached a consensus and would like to be kept informed of the actions of the Library Board by the liaison. Councilman Victor Laggini stated that he will no longer vote on items without adequate review period. Daniel Jaxel noted that he will maintain a file on the library employee salaries and will authorize payroll to process the salary adjustments. The Governing Body did not express objection. 4. CONSTRUCTION CODE PERMIT FEES Mayor Liptak and the Council acknowledged receipt of the correspondence with no objection to the new proposed fee schedule. Mayor Liptak directed the Borough Attorney to draft the ordinance amendment. 5. FLAG AT HALF MAST Councilman Laggini noted that he placed this item on the agenda due to the death of his uncle, Angelo Laggini, a former Borough Employee and volunteer. He would like to set a clear policy for lowering the flag to honor Raritan residents. Mayor Liptak directed Councilman Laggini to submit draft criteria to the Governing Body at a future meeting. Mr. Anderson noted that the federal government does have technical protocol relating to the American Flag and suggested that a person should be designated to make the decision within the Borough, such as the Mayor, Council President of Administrator. 6. PLANNING BOARD CORRESPONDENCE - ORDINANCE 2010-12 Mr. Anderson and Ms. Harris received e-mail correspondence from the Planning Board attorney, Susan Rubright stating that the Planning Board held a special meeting and re-approved the June 2, 2010 memorandum-report from Mr. David Maski support Ordinance 2010-12: B3 Zone Change. Council is now free to hold the public hearing on Ordinance 2010-12. 7. MEET YOUR NEIGHBOR DAY VOUCHERS Councilman Laggini agreed to offer these vouchers at the Regular Meeting. 8. POLICE PURCHASE ORDER REQUEST Councilwoman Gara agreed to offer this purchase order request at the Regular Meeting. A motion was made by Councilman Greg Lobell and seconded by Councilwoman Stefanie Gara to move into Executive Session. Motion carried. Councilman Greg Lobell motioned to adjourn the Executive Session and to return to the normal order of business; the motion was seconded by Councilwoman Stefanie Gara. Motion carried. ADJOURNMENT Councilman Victor Laggini moved to adjourn the meeting and seconded by Councilwoman Wilson. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 8:12 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Rayna E. Harris, RMC Borough Clerk