BOROUGH OF RARITAN
AGENDA MEETING
Sept 14th, 2010
The Agenda Meeting of the Borough of Raritan Council was held on September 14, 2010 at the Municipal Building,
22 First Street, Raritan, NJ 08869 at 6:33 pm.
A. STATEMENT OF PUBLIC NOTICE
Mayor Jo-Ann Liptak presided and stated: 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.
B. 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
C. DISCUSSION
1. ENGINEER’S REPORT
Stanley J. Schrek, Borough Engineer offered his report.
2009 Road Program
Work has been completed on Basilone Place and North Gaston Avenue.
Sidewalk replacement work has been completed on Danbury Ave. This project consists of partial sidewalk replacement,
milling, base repairs and paving. There are no curb repairs in the contract.
Milling and paving are now scheduled for Thursday and Friday, Sept 16 & 17. The contract will provide notice to
residents and will coordinate any traffic control and/or traffic directors with the Police Department.
NJDOT Grant Applications
An application was submitted for improvements to LaGrange Street from Thompson Street to Elmer Street.
Cell Tower Bid
Discussion required as to extent of detail and design required for completion of bid specifications and how this
relates to the Planning Board’s required review of the site plan.
Elizabeth Avenue
Plans have been completed for the extension of Elizabeth Avenue, as per the Assessment Ordinance, to provide
direct access to four lots adjacent to the southerly Right-of-Way. I will have the plans at the meeting for review.
Orlando Drive
As earlier discussed, we submitted a detailed report, to the Somerset County Engineer’s office requesting
County takeover of Orlando Drive from the Route 206 Right-of-Way to First Avenue. The report was accepted and
reviewed. Comments have been received.
In our report, we stated that the Borough Tax Maps do not reflect the roadway alignment, as constructed in 1988,
from Nevius Street to Busky Lane. Apparently sections of the roadway may have been realigned without consideration
of Right of Way. The County, accordingly, is requesting that the Right-of-Way be proven for the entire length
from Lyman Street to Route 206 by providing road returns, filed maps, deed, resolutions and agreements. They are
essentially requesting a route survey which may require additional ROW acquisition. A Green Acres diversion may
be involved as the “Mill Street Tracts” are listed on the Borough ROSI. A budget of $30,000 should be considered
for this extensive survey work and possible diversion mitigation.
Mr. Schrek discussed the selection of the location for the cell tower. He suggested having the carrier
choose the location. Mr. Schrek would prefer to have science support the selection of the location.
Councilwoman Maureen Wilson questioned the process of selecting the location of the tower and equipment.
Mark Anderson noted that he made several calls to T-Mobile to schedule a meeting to discuss location.
He was concerned that Mr. Lock did not respond to his calls.
Mr. Schrek explained the Elizabeth Avenue extension plan drawing and noted that an assessment ordinance was
previously authorized. This project would give the three (3) landlocked properties access to the right of way
by extending the road into what is now the park.
Councilwoman Wilson questioned the curbing needs as depicted in the plan s it would relate to plowing.
The Public Hearing will be held on October 12, 2010 at 6:00 p.m.
Mr. Schrek suggested the Council authorized the route survey to establish this as a Class A Road, to move forward
with the process of the Somerset County take over of Orlando Drive. He noted that County has offered to open their
records for search to expedite the documentation process.
Daniel Jaxel noted that this $30,000 item could be added to the capital budget later in the agenda.
Councilwoman Stefanie Gara asked if the title was “grandfather” due to number of years.
Mark Anderson stated that would be an adverse possession and no company would insure.
Councilman Victor Laggini and Councilman Greg Lobell stated their support of the project. Councilwoman Wilson
stated that this is a good investment.
2. CAPITAL BUDGET
Daniel Jaxel presented the 2010 capital budget considerations dated August 24, 2010.
Fire Department:
A. Turnout gear washer/dryer - $25,000 – inter-local agreement?
Recreation:
A. Security cameras for parks (Recreation Special Account?) - $15,000?
Public Works Department:
A. Replacement for two Ford mason (smaller) dump trucks - $95,000?
Other Roads/Public Works, Borough Engineer
A. Supplement to Transportation Trust Grant for reconstruction of Johnson Drive - $111,136 - OK
B. Reconstruction of various sewers - $50,000?
C. Reconstruction of Roderer Drive - $35,000?
D. Rebuild Ortho Drive Pump Station pumps - $100,000 - OK (Ortho can contribute)
Councilman Lobell noted that the funds for the turnout gear washer and dryer need to include the connections and
installation, but that all the area fire departments already have the equipment.
Councilwoman Gara noted that the application period for grants that would fund turnout gear washer and dryer has
closed for this year. She noted that a washer extractor may be a feasible alternative that would remove 90-95% of
the water in the outfit and in 3-4 hours the gear would be dry. The cost is approximately $6,000.
Councilman Lobell stated that the quote for the park security cameras has not yet been obtained, but he stated his
belief that the purchase should not be postponed until next year because there will be a need to resurface the pools
in the next capital budget. He noted that the cameras would reduce abuse on the parks.
Councilman Laggini and Councilwoman Wilson like the idea of the camera installation. Councilwoman Wilson felt that
the cost should be divided between the capital budget and the recreation supplemental account.
Councilman Lobell suggested funding $7,500 from the capital budget. There was general agreement with this idea by
the Governing Body.
Mayor Liptak and Councilwoman Gara suggested only purchasing one (1) truck for the DPW. Mayor noted that this
affirms the need for a maintenance plan.
Councilman Lobell noted that even if the order for the trucks is placed today, it would take eight (8) months for
delivery. Councilman Lamaestra stated his support for the purchase of two (2) trucks.
There was further discussion on the extractor for the fire department by the entire Governing Body.
Councilman Laggini agreed to reach out for Fire Chief Memoli for his opinion on the purchase of the extractor.
Mayor Liptak questioned Stanley J. Schrek as to whether there is an agreement for a contribution from Ortho for
the Ortho Drive pump station. Mr. Schrek stated that his is in communication with Ortho and the budget should
fund $100,000 for the project.
Daniel Jaxel noted the addition of $30,000 for the Orlando Drive study to the capital budget. He questioned the
elimination of 16 Anderson Street. Mr. Jaxel noted that without funding the contractor may not be able to
finish the bathroom and elevator and stated his concern about getting grants because the construction is in
progress and not new. Mayor Liptak suggested Mr. Jaxel contact Don Esposito.
Councilwoman Gara noted that the grants committee is in the process of researching funding opportunities for
the generator.
Mayor Liptak stated that Roderer Drive must stay in the capital budget.
3. HOUSING ORDINANCE
Councilwoman Gara stated that a meeting with Mr. Jaxel, Councilman Lobell, Council President Carra,
Construction Official Lou Gara and Property Maintenance Official Frank Taddeo was held to discuss the proposed
housing ordinance. A follow-up meeting of the sub-committee will be scheduled within the next two weeks to
continue the discussion. She hoped that the ordinance would be ready for introduction at the
September 28, 2010 Regular Meeting.
4. DCA BEST PRACTICES LIST - ABSENCE FROM MEETING POLICY
Mayor Liptak stated that the Best Practices questionnaire was sent to the municipalities from the State offices.
Daniel Jaxel stated that it is a survey of approximately 100 questions. He explained the process by which the
survey will be completed with Mayor Liptak, Karin Kneafsey and himself answering the questions. Mr. Jaxel would
like to the Governing Body to consider a motion to follow the State Absence from Meeting policy to enable an
affirmative answer to that particular question.
Mark Anderson stated that his understanding of the question is whether the Borough has a policy in place, not what
the policy is. He noted that the Borough Council can not override the vote of the people, but can adopt the
same policy that is imposed.
Mayor Liptak noted that the question asking whether a joint meeting with the Board of Education has been held is
frustrating to her. She stated that attempts have been made to schedule such a meeting with no response from the
Board of Education.
Mr. Anderson stated that a meeting simply needs to be set.
5. LIBRARY RESTORATION CHANGE ORDER
Daniel Jaxel sent the Change Order No. 5, 12, 13, 14 and 15to the Council for review. He was mistaken in saying
that the interpretation of the plans. It was actually not the windows, but all wood and clap board elements.
Mr. Jaxel noted that there is grant money to pay for the change.
Stanley J. Schrek stated that this is a legitimate change order. The contactor is installing new clap board.
He noted that two of the items for are discovery items from after the construction commenced.
Mr. Jaxel also noted the need for painting of the front porch. The porch was last painted four (4) years ago
per the Library Director, Mary Jane Paese.
Councilman Lobell questioned if the contractor would address the cool temperature in the children’s room.
He noted that it is a completely different temperature than the rest of the building and suggested a heat
be installed.
Mr. Schrek noted that it is probably less insulated than the rest of the building and the venting may help
the temperature.
Mayor Liptak directed Councilman Lobell to make the motion to approve the change orders.
6. RECREATION PURCHASE ORDER REQUESTS
Mayor Liptak directed Councilman Lobell to make the motion to approve the recreation purchase order requests.
He agreed to move those requests under new business at the Regular Meeting.
Daniel Jaxel reviewed the detail of the requests.
7. B-3 ZONE USE CHANGE
Councilwoman Gara stated that this item came from the Planning Board. An applicant came before the Board to
request approval to open a school in the zone. This ordinance would incorporate this type of use into the zone.
Mr. Schrek noted that it was an oversight that the school was not included in the permitted uses for that zone.
He said this is basically a clean up item.
Councilwoman Wilson asked where the school would be located and if the exercise facility and karate school
in the area.
Mr. Anderson stated that the amendment provides uniformity in all B zones that presently have schools
permitted with the planner’s recommendation. He noted the inconsistency in the numbering of the current
ordinance after reviewing several versions.
Mr. Schrek questioned if the applicant can proceed on first reading. Mark Anderson stated that the applicant
can not proceed. The ordinance needs to be reviewed by the Planning Board and the Planning Board has
forty-five (45) days to do so.
8. VEHICLES FOR HIRE ORDINANCE
Rayna Harris noted that after review of the current Vehicles for Hire (Taxi) ordinance, there appear to be
inconsistencies with the fees. The driver fee has been eliminated from the manuscript.
Councilman Lobell would like a survey of area/county fees.
9. ADMINISTRATION COPY FEES
A resolution to institute copy fees was listed on the Regular Meeting agenda for consideration.
Mr. Anderson recommended approval of this resolution.
10. CELL TOWER BIDS
This item was discussed under the engineer’s report.
11. SPATIAL LOGIC SOFTWARE
Councilman Lobell reviewed information that was previously distributed to the Governing Body.
This software would be utilized by the Property Maintenance office and this software is vital to enforcing the
proposed Housing Ordinance. He suggested purchasing two (2) seats at a cost of $8,000. The cost would include
the installation, two modules for code enforcement and fire prevention, training, data integration and an iPad.
Councilwoman Wilson inquired about the integration of the tax assessment information and data to this new system
and the capability to interface.
Councilman Lobell responded to her question, noting that the updating would be done annually after the initial
data integration.
12. TRAIN STATION
Mayor Liptak asked the Council to approve the placement of a revenue generating vendor/merchant in the train station,
such as a coffee shop, with limited hours of operation. She suggested communicating with Bernadette Gill of
NJ Transit to discuss the sub-lease of the space. Councilman Lobell supported the idea.
Councilman Lamaestra questioned the ownership of the property, NJ Transit of the Borough. Mayor Liptak noted
that there is an existing lease agreement between NJ Transit and the Borough and a sub-lease must be approved
by NJ Transit’s real estate department.
Councilwoman Wilson noted that this discussion has come up at least twice before. Daniel Jaxel noted that
previously proposals were accepted, but the agreement fell through.
Councilman Lamaestra stated that the ticket room is being used for storage of equipment currently by NJ Transit.
The general consensus of the Governing body was to meet with NJ Transit to discuss options.
A motion was made by Councilman Greg Lobell and seconded by Councilman Victor Laggini to move into
Executive Session. Motion carried.
Councilwoman Stefanie Gara motioned to adjourn the Executive Session and to return to the normal order of business;
the motion was seconded by Councilwoman Maureen Wilson. Motion carried.
Councilwoman Gara moved to adjourn the meeting and seconded by Councilman Greg Lobell. Motion carried.
Meeting adjourned at 8:27 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Rayna E. Harris, RMC
Borough Clerk