BOROUGH OF RARITAN AGENDA MEETING OCT 26, 2010 The Agenda Meeting of the Borough of Raritan Council was held on October 26, 2010 in the Municipal Building, 22 First Street, Raritan, NJ 08869 at 6:30 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 Shelly McGregor, assistant to Stanley J. Schrek, offered the Borough Engineer’s report. Elizabeth Avenue As the October 12 public meeting yielded no substantive comments regarding the design concept for the Elizabeth Avenue, we are proceeding with final design. Orlando Drive Field work is progressing. Cardinal Woods PS The following was reported at the last meeting: 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. Pumping Services has subsequently submitted a proposal for the immediate repairs required to get the PS back on line. The scope of service includes the following: 1. Install a new duplex pump control. 2. Repair to pump SN840408. 3. Rebuild pump Sn840409. 4. Install new dehumidifier, heater and sump pump. The above listed services have been quoted at $21,995.00. This exceeds the quote threshold required under LPBL, we have attempted to get additional quotes. Due to the fact that Pumping Services has the damaged pumps, it is not possible to get a competent additional quote. As the pumps were removed in an emergency situation, and the PS is still being run via an auxiliary, rented, pumping truck, it is recommended that the standing quote be awarded to pumping services. 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 suggested asking Somerset County if there would be an interest in purchasing the Elizabeth Avenue lots as Green Acres or open space. Mayor Liptak agreed to approach the Freeholders with the idea. Councilman John Lamaestra stated that he would make the motion for the Pumping Services purchase order request. Councilman Greg Lobell questioned if the replacement of the grinder fan in the pump would be included within the services provided by Pump Services. He also questioned why the breakdown occurred. Ms. McGregor stated that it was a combination of clogging and a heavy rain storm. Daniel Jaxel stated a shredder filter at a cost of $75,000 was discussed in previous years. Ms. McGregor suggested installing a similar instrument, a muffin monster. Councilman Lobell suggested sending the cameras down into the pump system to see the problems. Mr. Jaxel said that it may be possible to use capital funds for the camera survey. 2. AMERICAN FLAG PROTOCOL Councilman Victor Laggini asked the Borough Attorney, Mark Anderson to speak on his findings. Mr. Anderson noted that the U.S. federal government does have codes/laws that address the technical protocol relating to the U.S. Flag. If the American flag is lowered without order of the President (or certain military commanders and governors) it is a technical violation of the law, however it is a very common practice. He suggested that a person should be designated to make the decision within the Borough, such as the Mayor, Council President or the Administrator, to lower the Borough of Raritan flag. Mayor Liptak suggested that Councilwoman Stefanie Gara contact the Chamber about donating a Borough of Raritan flag to hang below the POW-MIA flag outside of the municipal building. 3. GROCERY SHOPPING CARTS Mayor Liptak noted the ongoing problem with shopping carts from Stop & Shop. She spoke with the manager and gave a copy of the Environmental Protection sections §26-12 and §26-16 of the Borough of Raritan Code for his information the law, violations and penalties. She hoped this would help the problem and not waste Public Works staff’s valuable time. 4. RFP ACCOUNTING FIRM Mayor Liptak would like to advertise a Request for Proposals (RFP) for Professional Services, accounting firm. She thinks it would not hurt to solicit quotes from vendors in addition to the current firm. Councilwoman Wilson asked what generated the idea, stated that the Borough of Raritan is in a good financial position thanks to the advice of Suplee Clooney & Co. and questioned if RFP for other professional services would be considered. Mayor Liptak did not have a problem with advertising RFP for the other services. 5. MUNICIPAL BUILDING LANDSCAPING Mayor Liptak and Bob Fulminante, DPW Foreman met with Michael Herrera, Assistant Principal and Erik Fargo, Horticulture Instructor at the Somerset County Vocational & Technical High School to discuss the landscaping at the municipal building. Mr. Fargo will create a concept plan for the municipal landscaping and, if approved, plan to have the students begin the project in early 2011. He hopes to have plants donated by local nurseries. Mr. Fargo hopes to save the various shrubs and bushes with pruning. Councilwoman Gara and Councilman Lamaestra would like them to consider removing all the bushes and starting with completely new plantings. 6. CELL TOWER MEETING – NOVEMBER 4, 2010 AT 7:00 PM Mayor Liptak would like to hold an information meeting for the public to explain and address concerns of the citizens on the wireless facility. Mr. Anderson stated the T-Mobile will provide general information at the meeting. 7. DOG PARK Councilman Lobell distributed an aerial photo, provided by Stanley J. Schrek, of the area for the proposed dog park to the Governing Body. He stated that a new gate and a portion of fence would be needed. Councilman Lobell also noted that a gate on the 1st Avenue entrance is not feasible and a sliding gate would be too cumbersome. He noted that there would be a corral area to leash and unleash the dogs separate from the actual park area. Mr. Jaxel stated that Branchburg did have a suit filed for an injury to a dog at Tyvek Park. He also stated that he does not think the Borough can waive liability, but that he did request a certificate of insurance relating to the leash free dog park. Mayor Liptak suggested copying sign language used in Somerset County’s Colonial Park leash-free dog area. Councilman Lobell stated that he would attempt to duplicate the signage used at Tyvek Park in Branchburg. Council President Carra questioned the policy during inclement weather, such as snow and ice. Councilwoman Gara stated the sign should be posted with rules, liability waiver and hours of operation. Councilman Laggini questioned who would be responsible for opening/closing and locking/unlocking the park area. Councilman Lobell stated that was yet to be determined. 8. CHAPTER 48 – HEALTH BENEFITS Mr. Jaxel stated that a resolution approving the Chapter 48 retirement benefits for non-union employees, such as administration staff, needs to be prepared and considered. This change would benefit the Borough and employees, by allowing the hiring of experienced professionals. The employee must work at least 15 years for the Borough to receive the benefit upon retirement. Councilman Lobell questioned the contents of Chapter 48. Dan Jaxel offered an explanation of the law. 9. AGREEMENT FOR LEAF DISPOSAL Mr. Jaxel stated that last year’s agreement was approximately $3,800. Councilman John Lamaestra stated that he would make the motion for the Agreement for Leaf Disposal. 10. GRANETZ PLACE – PAPER STREET This item was tabled until the November 9, 2010 Agenda Meeting. 11. PURCHASE ORDER REQUEST – ABSOLUTE FIRE PROTECTION CO., INC Councilman Victor Laggini stated that he would make the motion for the Absolute Fire Protection Co., Inc. purchase order request. 12. NATIONAL DIABETES AWARENESS MONTH & RIBBONS Dan Jaxel received correspondence from Michael’s Miracles, a Non-Profit based in Raritan. November is National Diabetes Awareness Month, with the 14th being the National Awareness day, and the day the Empire State Building will be lit in blue lights for the cause. As part of Michael’s Miracles mission to raise awareness they would like to place blue ribbons on lamp posts and trees on Somerset St. and around the Municipal Building. Councilwoman Wilson just asked that they check on the condition of the ribbons throughout the month. Mayor Liptak and Councilwoman Wilson think this is a good idea. PUBLIC COMMENTS At this point the Borough Council welcomes comments from any member of the public. To help facilitate an orderly meeting and to permit the opportunity for anyone who wishes to be heard, speakers are asked to limit their comments to 5 minutes. If reading from a prepared statement, please provide a copy and email a copy to the Clerk’s Office after making your comments. Vince Castagno, Raritan Crossing Shopping Center (Net Property Group, LLC): Stated his company’s interest in obtaining the rights to Granetz Place (Paper Street) for additional parking. Councilwoman Gara asked if this request had anything to do with the application that was submitted to the Planning Board. Mr. Castagno replied that it did not, but rather Stop & Shop has refused to allow parking in their lot. Councilwoman Gara and Mayor Liptak would like to have an engineering report and area resident’s feedback. Anthony De Cicco, 10 Anderson Street: He questioned the Cell Tower meeting and award of the bid. Mr. Anderson stated that the Council has discussed the bid, but the bid has not been released nor has it been awarded. He noted that a wireless location ordinance was adopted earlier this year, but the meeting is proposed about renting the use of space on Borough property. A motion was made by Council President Denise Carra and seconded by Councilman Greg Lobell to move into Executive Session. Motion carried. Councilwoman Stefanie Gara motioned to adjourn the Executive Session and to return to the normal order o f business; the motion was seconded by Councilman Victor Laggini. Motion carried. ADJOURNMENT Councilman Laggini moved to adjourn the meeting and seconded by Councilman Lamaestra. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 7:46 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Rayna E. Harris, RMC Borough Clerk