BOROUGH OF RARITAN
REGULAR MEETING
Sept 28th
The Regular Meeting of the Borough of Raritan Council was held on September 28, 2010 at the Municipal Building,
22 First Street, Raritan, NJ 08869 at 8:00 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 web site, and 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, and Denise Carra
Absent: Greg Lobell
Also Present: Mayor Jo-Ann Liptak; Daniel Jaxel, Borough Administrator; Mark Anderson, Borough Attorney and
Rayna E. Harris, Borough Clerk
Council President Carra presented the flag salute and invocation.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
September 14, 2010 Agenda Meeting Minutes were presented for approval. Motion was made by Councilwoman Gara to
approve, seconded by Councilwoman Wilson. Motion carried on the following roll call vote.
MOTION SECOND NAME YEAS NAYS ABSTAIN ABSENT
X Gara X
Lobell X
Carra X
Laggini X
X Wilson X
Lamaestra X
September 14, 2010 Executive Session Minutes were presented for approval. Motion was made by Councilwoman Wilson
to approve, seconded by Councilwoman Gara. Motion carried on the following roll call vote.
MOTION SECOND NAME YEAS NAYS ABSTAIN ABSENT
X Gara X
Lobell X
Carra X
Laggini X
X Wilson X
Lamaestra X
September 14, 2010 Regular Meeting Minutes were presented for approval. Motion was made by Council President Carra
to approve, seconded by Councilwoman Gara. Motion carried on the following roll call vote.
MOTION SECOND NAME YEAS NAYS ABSTAIN ABSENT
X Gara X
Lobell X
X Carra X
Laggini X
Wilson X
Lamaestra X
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.
Oknan Liptak, 400 Southwick Street, Raritan, NJ 08869: She expressed concern about the proposed changes to the
housing ordinance. Mrs. Liptak questioned additional fees and if penalties were included for unkempt properties.
Mayor Liptak and Councilwoman Gara addressed her concerns.
Councilwoman Gara explained that this is an amendment to an existing ordinance and the fee is only charged on the
partition of a two-family house that is not owner occupied.
Mayor Liptak stated that the unkempt property she referenced is being addressed by the property maintenance officer.
PRESENTATION
Police Chief Mark Ciesla introduced Robert Hellwig of the Somerville Elks Lodge #1068. Mr. Hellwig presented the
Chief with a $5,000 donation check to support DARE and other youth programs in the Borough. The donation was made
possible by the proceeds of the Elks’ annual Comic Relief Night.
RESOLUTIONS
RESOLUTION – DISCHARGE OF MORTGAGE
Councilwoman Gara moved to approve the following resolution and was seconded by Council President Carra. Motion
carried on the following roll call vote.
WHEREAS, on September 1, 2003, Marie Purcell, the owner of real property known as 9 LaGrange Street,
Block 92, Lot 8 on the tax map of the Borough of Raritan, executed a Property Rehabilitation Mortgage (“Mortgage”)
for a loan of $7,575.00 from the Borough of Raritan for rehabilitation of her dwelling; and
WHEREAS, the Mortgage has been repaid in full and should now be discharged of record;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Borough Council of the Borough of Raritan that the Mayor and Borough Clerk
are authorized and directed to execute a Discharge of Property Rehabilitation Mortgage and that the Borough Attorney
is directed to send the original Discharge to the Somerset County Clerk’s Office for recording.
MOTION SECOND NAME YEAS NAYS ABSTAIN ABSENT
X Gara X
Lobell X
X Carra X
Laggini X
Wilson X
Lamaestra X
CHAPTER 159 - 2010 DDEF FUNDS
Council President Carra moved to approve the following resolution and was seconded by Councilman Victor Laggini.
Motion carried on the following roll call vote.
WHEREAS, NJS 40A:4-87 provides that the Director of the Division of Local Government Services may approve the
insertion of any special items of revenue in the budget of any county or municipality when such items shall have
been made available by law and the amounts were not determined at the time of the adoption of the budget; and
WHEREAS, the Director may also approve the insertion of any items of appropriation for an equal amount,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Borough of Raritan in the County of Somerset, New Jersey, hereby requests
the Director of the Division of Local Government Services to approve the insertion of an item of revenue in the
budget of the year 2010 in the sum of $4,182.95, which is now available from the State of New Jersey, Division
of Motor Vehicles, Drunk Driving Enforcement Fund.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the like sum of $4,182.95 is hereby appropriated under the caption DDEF.
MOTION SECOND NAME YEAS NAYS ABSTAIN ABSENT
Gara X
Lobell X
X Carra X
X Laggini X
Wilson X
Lamaestra X
RENEWAL OF PLENARY RETAIL CONSUMPTION LICENSE
Councilwoman Gara moved to approve the following resolution and was seconded by Council President Carra.
Motion carried on the following roll call vote.
WHEREAS, the Plenary Retail Consumption Liquor License Renewal Application from Pirlamarla, Narayana is
complete in all respects; and
WHEREAS, the special ruling to permit renewal of inactive license to pursuant to N.J.S.A. 33:1-12.39 has
been issued; and
WHEREAS, the applicant is qualified to be licensed according to all statutory, regulatory and local
governmental Alcoholic Beverage Control laws and regulations; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Raritan, County of Somerset,
that the Plenary Retail Consumption Liquor License of Pirlamarla, Narayana license no. 1816-33-012-009
is renewed for the year beginning July 1, 2010 through June 30, 2011; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Borough Clerk is hereby authorized to issue and deliver such renewal
license, upon proper receipt therefore.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Borough Clerk is hereby directed to transmit a certified true copy of
this resolution to the Director of the New Jersey Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control.
MOTION SECOND NAME YEAS NAYS ABSTAIN ABSENT
X Gara X
Lobell X
X Carra X
Laggini X
Wilson X
Lamaestra X
RAILROAD MONTHLY PARKING REFUND
Councilwoman Gara moved to approve the following resolution and was seconded by Councilwoman Wilson.
Motion carried on the following roll call vote.
WHEREAS, the Administrator has informed the CFO that the purchaser of a monthly parking decal sticker has
returned the unused portion of the sticker and has requested that his/her money be refunded.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Raritan Borough Council that the CFO is hereby authorized to refund
monthly Rail Road Parking Decals to the following commuters:
Steven Shortino, 6 More Road, Hillsborough, NJ 08844, October to December 2010 $120.00
MOTION SECOND NAME YEAS NAYS ABSTAIN ABSENT
X Gara X
Lobell X
Carra X
Laggini X
X Wilson X
Lamaestra X
APPROVAL OF BILLS LIST
Motion was made by Councilwoman Gara to approve bills list, the motion was seconded by Councilman Lamaestra.
Motion carried.
MOTION SECOND NAME YEAS NAYS ABSTAIN ABSENT
X Gara X
Lobell X
Carra X
Laggini X
Wilson X
X Lamaestra X
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Council President Carra reported for the environmental commission; congratulated and thanked the Basilone
Parade Committee for all their recent efforts. She noted Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) and Police
and Fire Retirement System (PFRS) rates were released by the State. Councilwoman Carra also shared the
information covered in a seminar she attended entitled “Moving up in a Downturn”.
Councilman Laggini:
Councilman Laggini made a motion to approve the purchase order request for Alert All in the amount of $2,023.00.
The motion was seconded by Councilwoman Wilson. Motion carried.
MOTION SECOND NAME YEAS NAYS ABSTAIN ABSENT
Gara X
Lobell X
Carra X
X Laggini X
X Wilson X
Lamaestra X
Councilman Laggini made a motion to approve the purchase order request for Continental Fire & Safety, Inc.
in the amount of $9,026.60. The motion was seconded by Councilman Lamaestra. Motion carried.
MOTION SECOND NAME YEAS NAYS ABSTAIN ABSENT
Gara X
Lobell X
Carra X
X Laggini X
Wilson X
X Lamaestra X
Councilman Laggini offered the fire department reports and reported that Meet Your Neighbor Day will be held
October 10th from 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. He thanked all the sponsors and volunteers. Councilman Victor Laggini
thanked the Basilone Parade Committee, the Police Department, the DPW and the Fire Department for all their
efforts during the recent events.
Councilwoman Wilson reported for the Board of Health and the Somerset County Health Department. She noted that
the Raritan Flu Shot clinic will be held on October 20, 2010 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Councilwoman Wilson
also stated that there are three confirmed cases of MRSA at the high school and everyone should be careful, aware
and practice good hygiene. She thanked the Basilone Parade Committee, the Police Department, the DPW and the
Fire Department for all their efforts during the recent events.
Councilman Lamaestra offered the Department of Public Works report. He explained the process used with the new
crack sealer by the DPW. Councilman John Lamaestra thanked the Basilone Parade Committee, the Police Department,
the DPW and the Fire Department for all their efforts during the recent events.
Councilwoman Gara offered the following report:
PLANNING BOARD – The Planning Board approved the “Concept Conversion Plan” on Willow Walk on September 22,
as per the Consent Order signed by Judge Ciccone. The agreed upon development will contain 363 dwelling units
(when broken down = 38 three bedroom duplex units, 252 two bedroom market rate units and 73 low/moderate income
restricted ADA accessible flats.) There is a 20% requirement for low/moderate income housing under the Conversion Law.
Mayor Liptak, on behalf of our Borough, made significant demands on the affordable housing units. The plan also
contains a 5,800 sq. ft. clubhouse, a swimming pool that is ADA compatible and a 2,400 sq. ft. maintenance building.
The Development will be a gated community whereas residents will have a garage door opener or card to enter the
premises; this will insure no cut thru traffic between Route 202 and Tillman Street. The Mediation Committee also
negotiated that the Planning Board will have all rights to naming the roadways as well as the handicapped building.
The builder will be responsible for plowing and maintaining roads as well as picking up there own garbage.
ATA Developers will also be upgrading Tillman Street, adding sidewalks and curbing, minor repairs will be made to
First Avenue and Third Streets as well as repairs on Second Street this is to insure safe passage for pedestrians.
All traffic will enter and exit at the Route 202 entryway however residents will be allowed to enter only on
Tillman Street, again thru a gate. We do not have an anticipated start date for this project; ATA is still waiting
on “A no further action letter” from the State of NJ and Site Plan approval, under the conversion law, is by the
Municipal Engineer. Mr. Schrek will keep the Council advised as to this process.
I would like to thank the mediation committee for the many hours of negotiations and hard work they put on this
project. Thank you all again and good job!
Mayor Liptak shared her experience as a member of the mediation committee and reviewed the general details of the
project, highlighting the ADA accessible four story building targeted at disabled veterans.
RACC – CHAMBER - Held the 2nd Annual 1 mile John Basilone Fun Run and the 1st Raritan River Bank 5K on
Saturday September, 25th. The weather was great and participation was up from last year, we had 56 runners.
I would like to congratulate the winners: In the 1 mile Fun Run 1st Place was to Jake Gara, 2nd Place was to
Vinnie Simonetti and 3rd Place to Madison Gara. In the 5K Run 1st Place was to Sam Foreman, 2nd Place was to
Dave Bachman, and 3rd Place was to Al Cirne. Everyone had a terrific day. Hot dogs, donuts, bagels, ice cream,
water and juice were available for all participates. After the run the kids were entertained by the Lizard Guy.
I would like to thank Councilman Lobell and Mike DiBianco for their hard work in setting up and implementing this
event for our community. I would also like to thank Joe LaMastro for DJing the event for us, the Somerville Rescue
Squad and CERT Team for there participation as well. The Chamber is looking forward to next year’s event promising
it to be bigger and better.
I would also like to take a moment to send a HUGE THANK YOU to the Basilone Committee. The weekend was amazing!!
Your dedication and hard work is greatly appreciated by all.
POLICE - On Friday September 17th members of the Raritan Police Department assisted with traffic details for the
Raritan Borough Block Party between 6pm and 11pm.
Two new Patrol Officers were sworn in by the Honorable Mayor Liptak on Wednesday September 22nd 2010 at 4:30pm
in the Council Chambers. The two officers are KENNETH DREWS of Three Bridges New Jersey who has past police
experience with the Readington Twsp Police Department and the Franklin Twsp Police Department in Somerset County
and ANTHONY DIGRAZIANO a Raritan Borough resident, who graduated from the Somerset County Police Academy in
December 2009 from their alternate route program. Anthony has no prior police experience. Both will make a
positive impact on the police department. Both officers received their mandatory firearms training on
Thursday September 23rd and were deployed for various traffic details during the weekend of September 24th through
September 26th.
On Friday September 24th between 4pm and 10:30pm members of the Raritan Police Department assisted with traffic
details and security at the Basilone Concert and Fireworks show at the Basilone Statue on Old York Road.
Traffic was congested but due to changes that were made from last year’s operation the police department feels
traffic was decreased on Somerset Street and First Ave as were delay times for many motorist this year.
A special thanks to the Somerset County Road Department for their assistance with the traffic monitor signs and
equipment and to the NJ State Road Department for their traffic monitor sign on Rt 202. Also a special thanks to
all the hard working members of Raritan Public Works who worked long hours assisting the police department with
equipment and the placing of barricades. Also a thank you to the Raritan Fire Department and Fire Official for
their professional service at the fireworks display.
On Saturday September 25th between 9am and 1pm the Raritan Police Department assisted with traffic for the second
annual Family Fun Run and 5 K Race held at the Canal Street Park and Basilone Statue. A special thanks to
Raritan Public Works who assisted with the barricades and road closings. A special thanks to the Somerville
Rescue Squad for their services at the event. Special thanks to the Officer Phil Program who provided a puppet
show for the children.
On Saturday September 25th the Raritan Police Department participated in the “Operation Take Back NJ”
program which is a program where residents can turn in their old and unwanted medicines.
On Sunday September 26th every member of the Raritan Police Department played a valuable role in closing of the
roadways and for security purposes at the Basilone Parade. A special thanks to everyone who marched in the parade
which brought pride and joy to thousands. Thanks to the Raritan Public Works division who play an instrumental
part in this event every year. Without them this would not go off as smoothly as it does every year. Thanks to
Somerset County Communications for their Command Bus. Thanks to Somerset County Road Department for their equipment
and assistance.
On Thursday October 7th between 1pm and 4pm the Raritan Borough Police Department in partnership with the Somerset
County Sheriff’s Department will hold a second CHILD SAFETY SEAT INSPECTION at Washington School. The first event
in August was a success. This event will happen rain or shine.
Thank you to the CERT team members who assisted the Borough of Raritan at the three events on Basilone weekend.
Mayor Liptak noted the Mayor Liptak reported on various items of correspondence. She thanked the Basilone
Parade Committee, the Police Department, the DPW and the Fire Department for all their efforts during the recent events.
Mayor noted that she would be the keynote speaker at the Resource Center of Somerset County’s Candle Light Vigil
for Victims of Domestic Abuse.
Mayor Liptak appointed Lisa Grossmith-Snieder to the Recreation commission, term ending December 31, 2011.
OLD BUSINESS
Councilwoman Gara noted that the sub-committee has met again and she anticipates introduction of the amended Housing
Ordinance on October 12th.
NEW BUSINESS
Council President Denise Carra made a motion to accept the adjustments to the Library Staff salaries in the amount
of $14,000.00. The motion was seconded by Councilman John Lamaestra. Motion carried.
MOTION SECOND NAME YEAS NAYS ABSTAIN ABSENT
Gara X
Lobell X
X Carra X
X Laggini X
Wilson X
Lamaestra X
Discussion on the library staff salary adjustments and the notification of the Governing Body of through
memorandum commenced.
Councilman John Lamaestra made a motion to reconsider the vote to accept the adjustments to the Library Staff
salaries in the amount of $14,000.00. The motion was seconded by Councilwoman Stefanie Gara. Motion carried.
MOTION SECOND NAME YEAS NAYS ABSTAIN ABSENT
x Gara X
Lobell X
Carra X
Laggini X
Wilson X
X Lamaestra X
Discussion on the library staff salary adjustments will be added to the October 12th Agenda Meeting.
Councilwoman Gara made a motion to approve the purchase order request for Spatial Data Logic in the amount of $8,000.
The motion was seconded by Council President Carra. Motion carried.
MOTION SECOND NAME YEAS NAYS ABSTAIN ABSENT
X Gara X
Lobell X
X Carra X
Laggini X
Wilson X
Lamaestra X
Mayor Liptak asked if anyone had any questions, comments or recommendations on the draft of the Borough Newsletter.
She thanked Jim Foohey for drafting the document. Mayor Liptak asked if the newsletter should be mailed to each home,
only available on the Borough website or a combination of mailing and electronic.
Mr. Jaxel reviewed the printing and postage costs.
Councilman Victor Laggini proposed mailing the newsletter this time, but having neighborhood news boxes available
in the future. He also suggested having copies available at all the Borough facilities.
Councilwoman Wilson suggested delivering a stack to the River Park apartment complex.
The Governing Body agreed to mail this edition of the newsletter and to post it on the Borough website, but in the
future to have a limited number of hard copies printed for availability at the Borough facilities.
The newsletter will always be posted on the Borough website.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Bill Salerno, 134 Weiss Terrace, Raritan, NJ 08869: He stated his concerns about the Willow Walk developer’s
Planning Board application hearing and the limiting of questions on the application by the public. He also questioned
posting of minutes on the Borough website.
Mayor Liptak and Councilwoman Gara addressed his concerns.
Mike Lopez, 191 Plainfield Avenue, Raritan, NJ 08869: He stated his concerns about the Willow Walk developer’s
Planning Board application hearing and the limiting of questions on the application by the public.
Mr. Lopez suggested sending a letter to Governor Christie. He questioned if the passage of S-7 by the
State Legislature would alleviate the hardships imposed by COAH.
ADJOURNMENT
Councilwoman Gara moved to adjourn the meeting and seconded by Councilwoman Wilson. Motion carried.
Meeting adjourned at 9:17 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Rayna E. Harris, RMC
Borough Clerk