BOROUGH OF RARITAN
REGULAR MEETING
FEBRUARY 22, 2011
The Regular Meeting of the Borough of Raritan Council was held on February 22, 2011 in the Municipal Building,
22 First Street, Raritan, NJ 08869 at 7:00 pm.
Mayor Jo-Ann Liptak presided and stated the following: Notice of this meeting has been made by advising
The Courier News and the Star Ledger of the time, date and place of this Council Meeting, posting a notice
on the bulletin board, Raritan Borough website, filling a copy in the Borough’s Clerk office and including
this statement in the minutes of this meeting.
ROLL CALL
Present: Denise Carra, Stefanie Gara, Paul Giraldi, Victor Laggini, Greg Lobell and Anthony Soriano
Absent: None
Also Present: Mayor Jo-Ann Liptak; Daniel Jaxel, Borough Administrator; Mark Anderson, Borough Attorney
and Rayna E. Harris, Borough Clerk
Councilman Anthony Soriano presented the invocation and flag salute.
APPOINTMENTS
Mayor Liptak appointed Alex Windrem to the Recreation Commission with a term to expire on 12/31/11.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
1. Special Meeting: January 2, 2011 Minutes were presented for approval. Motion was made by Councilwoman Carra
to approve, seconded by Councilman Soriano. Motion carried on the following roll call vote.
MOTION SECOND NAME YEAS NAYS ABSTAIN ABSENT
X Carra X
Gara X
Giraldi X
Laggini X
Lobell X
X Soriano X
2. Executive Session: January 2, 2011 Minutes were presented for approval. Motion was made by Council President Lobell
to approve, seconded by Councilman Giraldi. Motion carried on the following roll call vote.
MOTION SECOND NAME YEAS NAYS ABSTAIN ABSENT
Carra X
Gara X
X Giraldi X
Laggini X
X Lobell X
Soriano X
3. Agenda Meeting: January 11, 2011 Minutes were presented for approval. Motion was made by Councilwoman Gara to approve,
seconded by Councilman Soriano. Motion carried on the following roll call vote.
MOTION SECOND NAME YEAS NAYS ABSTAIN ABSENT
Carra X
X Gara X
Giraldi X
Laggini X
Lobell X
X Soriano X
4. Executive Session: January 11, 2011 Minutes were presented for approval. Motion was made by Councilman Giraldi to approve,
seconded by Councilman Laggini. Motion carried on the following roll call vote.
MOTION SECOND NAME YEAS NAYS ABSTAIN ABSENT
Carra X
Gara X
X Giraldi X
X Laggini X
Lobell X
Soriano X
PUBLIC COMMENTS
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 hard copy and e-mail a copy to the Clerk’s Office after making your comments.
Bill, American Cancer Society: He requested permission to hang a banner to advertise the 2011 Relay for Life at Duke Island Park
about a week before the event, which will be held Friday, May 13, 2011. He agreed to abide by the Borough’s specifications.
There was general consent to allow the placement of a banner across the road near First Avenue.
Jim Foohey, 710 Rhine Boulevard, Raritan, NJ 08869: He referenced a Courier News Article and commented on the NJ Department of
Environmental Protection’s (DEP) proposed removal of damns and fish ladders. Mr. Foohey expressed his strong feelings of
opposition regarding the removal of damns. He wants to preserve the outdoor activities such as fishing and canoeing.
Marguerite Caruso, 73 Second Avenue, Raritan, NJ 08869: She commented on the parking restrictions during snow conditions,
questioning what will be done for next year and suggested the Mayor form a committee to review the options.
Ms. Caruso questioned the management of issues for the duration of the winter (snow) season.
Mayor Liptak referred this issue to the Engineering and Public Works committee.
Council President Lobell was not in favor of making and concessions for any area of town.
Councilman Laggini suggested scheduling a special meeting to discuss this issue and expressed his support of alternate
street parking in certain areas.
Councilwoman Gara suggested this item be listed on an upcoming agenda for discussion.
Councilwoman Carra requested that DPW provide a list of suggested streets for alternative parking.
Councilman Soriano remarked that the Borough Engineer could also provide a list of the different type of streets within the Borough.
Liz Hoffman, 81 Second Avenue, Raritan, NJ 08869: She agreed with Ms. Caruso and urged the Council to examine alternative options.
ORDINANCES: PUBLIC HEARING AND FINAL ADOPTION
Ordinance 2011-01
Councilman Laggini moved and Council President Lobell seconded the opening of the public hearing on Ordinance 2011-01. Motion carried.
No one spoke.
Councilman Laggini moved and Council President Lobell seconded the closing of the public hearing on Ordinance 2011-01. Motion carried.
Councilwoman Gara and Council President Lobell seconded the adoption of Ordinance 2011-01 on second and final reading.
Motion carried on the following roll call vote.
AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING FUNDING FOR COMPUTER EQUIPMENT FOR THE BOROUGH OF RARITAN AND APPROPRIATING $10,094.32
FROM THE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT FUND FOR SUCH PURPOSE
BE IT ORDAINED by the Borough Council of the Borough of Raritan, in the County of Somerset and State of New Jersey, as follows:
Section 1. The Borough of Raritan, in the County of Somerset, New Jersey, authorizes the purchase of computer equipment for
Administration and the Police Department of the Borough of Raritan to be funded from the Capital Improvement fund of the Borough.
Section 2. The amount of $10,094.32 is hereby appropriated from the Borough of Raritan Capital Improvement fund for the
purposes described in Section 1 of the Ordinance.
Section 3. In connection with the purpose and the amount authorized in Sections 1 and 2 hereof, the Borough determines the
purpose described in Section 1 hereof is not a Current Expense.
Section 4. All ordinances or part of ordinances which are inconsistent with the terms of this Ordinance be and the same are
hereby repealed to the extent of their inconsistency.
Section 5. This Ordinance shall take effect immediately upon due passage and publications according to law.
MOTION SECOND NAME YEAS NAYS ABSTAIN ABSENT
Carra X
X Gara X
Giraldi X
Laggini X
X Lobell X
Soriano X
Ordinance 2011-02
Mark Anderson noted that issues and questioned were raised in Municipal Court about some of the language in the ordinance.
He stated that this amendment removes irrelevant language and sections to resolve the issues presented in the Municipal Court.
Councilwoman Gara moved and Councilman Soriano seconded the opening of the public hearing on Ordinance 2011-02. Motion carried.
Marguerite Caruso, 73 Second Avenue, Raritan, NJ 08869: She requested the specific changes be discussed for the public.
Mayor Liptak remarked that the changes had to do with the declaration of an emergency, removed the need to post signage and the
increased fine for a second offense, but is at the discretion of the Police Officers and Judge.
Mark Anderson stated that the specific dollar amount, penalty, for the first offense is to alleviate the requirement of
a court appearance.
Councilwoman Gara stated that the signage at the entry ways to the Borough satisfy the state law.
Council President Lobell and Councilwoman Gara seconded the closing of the public hearing on Ordinance 2011-02. Motion carried.
Councilwoman Gara and Councilwoman Carra seconded the adoption of Ordinance 2011-02 on second and final reading.
Motion carried on the following roll call vote.
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CODE OF THE BOROUGH OF RARITAN BY REPLACING ARTICLE XX, WHICH ARTICLE IS ENTITLED
“SNOW AND OTHER EMERGENCIES”
BE IT ORDAINED by the Borough Council of the Borough of Raritan in the County of Somerset that the Code of the Borough of
Raritan of 1966 as heretofore amended be further amended as follows:
SECTION ONE:
Article XX, entitled “Snow and Other Emergencies” is hereby replaced in its entirety to read as follows:
ARTICLE XX
Snow and Other Emergencies
§ 82-101. Emergency no parking.
A. Parking of any vehicle on any portion of any Borough of Raritan public road, street or highway is prohibited whenever
snow has fallen and the accumulation is such that the road, street or highway is snow covered.
B. The above parking prohibition shall remain in effect after the snow has ceased until the streets have been plowed
sufficiently and to the extent that parking will not interfere with the normal flow of traffic, to be determined by the
Public Works Supervisor or his designee.
C. As used in this chapter, the term “snow covered” shall mean any precipitation depositing any accumulation on the roads,
streets or highways, including snow, sleet, hail, ice or freezing rain, which requires plowing, salting or sanding.
D. As to Subsection A herein, regulatory and warning signs in accordance with N.J.S. 39:4-198 shall be erected and
maintained at all road, street or highway entrances for motor vehicles into the municipality.
E. During extreme weather conditions when a vehicle is not able to proceed and must be parked on a road, street or
highway in the Borough, the operator of such vehicle shall, by the quickest means of communication, notify the police
of the Borough of Raritan of such vehicle.
F. Any unoccupied vehicle parked or standing in violation of this section shall be deemed a nuisance and menace to
the safe and proper regulations of traffic, and any police officer may provide for removal of such vehicle.
The owner shall pay the reasonable costs of removal and storage which may result from such removal before regaining
possession of the vehicle. Prior to the removal of the vehicle, in the discretion of the police officer, notice may be
provided by posting a notice on or in the vehicle, that if the vehicle is not moved, it will be removed by the Borough
and the owner will be responsible for the costs of removal and storage.
G. Every person convicted of a violation of a provision of this section shall be liable for a first offense to pay
a penalty of $25. For a second or subsequent offense within 6 months, every person convicted of a violation of a
provision of this section shall be liable to pay a penalty of not less than $100 nor more than $500.
SECTION TWO:
This Ordinance shall take effect upon its final passage and publication according to law.
MOTION SECOND NAME YEAS NAYS ABSTAIN ABSENT
X Carra X
X Gara X
Giraldi X
Laggini X
Lobell X
Soriano X
RESOLUTIONS
RESOLUTION 2011-02-037
Councilwoman Gara moved to approve Resolution 2011-01-037 and was seconded by Councilwoman Carra.
Lou Gara discussed with the Governing Body the urgency in passing this resolution and the basis for the allocation of the
salary as listed in the resolution. He noted that when he was hired the salary was one lump sum.
Mark Anderson stated that the Borough needs to resolve the salary ordinance and resolution each year and this is one of
the issues. He noted that good practice suggests that each individual title have the salary for allocated for positions
that operate under different rules.
There was extensive discussion by the Governing Body and Lou Gara.
Lou Gara agreed to submit a report to the Governing Body by Friday, February 25th detailing his current duties and
projected responsibilities with the implementation of Ordinance 2010-13 (the new Housing Ordinance).
Councilman Laggini moved to table Resolution 2011-01-037 and was seconded by Councilwoman Carra. Motion carried on
the following roll call vote.
TABLED
ALLOCATING THE DUTIES AND COMPENSATION FOR
THE POSITIONS CURRENTLY HELD BY LOU GARA
WHEREAS, Lou Gara has been employed by the Borough of Raritan in several positions since August 22, 2001; and
WHEREAS, in 2004 the Borough Council adopted a "Resolution Revising the Duties and Compensation for the Positions
Currently Held By Lou Gara and Tom Ruscetta", effective May 3, 2004, which revised, among other things, and increased the
duties of Lou Gara and established a single annual base salary; and
WHEREAS, Lou Gara's present duties include Construction Official, Building Inspector, Plumbing Subcode Official,
Administrative Officer, Zoning Officer and Housing Official; and
WHEREAS, the positions of Construction Official, Building Inspector and Plumbing Subcode Official are duties pursuant
to the New Jersey Uniform Construction Code ("UCC"); the positions of Administrative Officer and Zoning Officer are duties
pursuant to the New Jersey Municipal Land Use Law; and the position of Housing Official is pursuant to Borough Ordinance; and
WHEREAS, the current recession has dramatically reduced construction-related activities in the Borough, to the point
where a substantial reduction in the time needed by the Borough for administration and inspections under the UCC is necessary
and appropriate; and
WHEREAS, the Borough is required to establish fees that it charges under the UCC based on the time and expense required
for administration and inspections under the UCC; and
WHEREAS, at the same time the Borough Council has adopted a revised Housing Code, Ordinance No. 2010-13, that will
require additional time for administration and inspections and designates the enforcement officer as
“Property Maintenance Officer”; and
WHEREAS, the Borough Council now wishes to clarify the duties of Lou Gara and to allocate his base salary among
various positions that he holds;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Borough Council of the Borough of Raritan as follows:
1) Lou Gara is hereby continued in the positions of Construction Official, Building Inspector, Plumbing Subcode Official,
Administrative Officer, Zoning Officer and Housing Official. Consistent with the Borough's salary freeze policy for 2011,
Lou Gara's total base salary is maintained at $81,934, to be allocated as indicated below.
2) Lou Gara's salary for the positions of Construction Official, Building Inspector and Plumbing Subcode Official
is hereby established as [$34,500].
3) Lou Gara's salary for the positions of Administrative Officer and Zoning Officer is hereby established as [$15,000].
4) Lou Gara's salary for the position of Housing Official (Property Maintenance Officer) is hereby established as [$32,434].
Vote to table:
MOTION SECOND NAME YEAS NAYS ABSTAIN ABSENT
X Carra X
Gara X
Giraldi X
X Laggini X
Lobell X
Soriano X
RESOLUTION 2011-02-038
Council President Lobell moved to approve Resolution 2011-01-038 and was seconded by Councilwoman Gara.
Motion carried on the following roll call vote.
TOWER/WRECKER LICENSES
WHEREAS, Tower/Wrecker License applications have been filed for the period of January 1, 2011 through December 31, 2011; and
WHEREAS, the Clerk has reported that the proper fees have been paid; and
WHEREAS, that the Police Department has submitted their investigation findings and recommendations with no objections
to the applications;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Raritan, in the County of Somerset,
State of New Jersey hereby approves a towing licenses for the following applicants:
1. Dave’s Heavy Towing, Inc, 87 Old Camplain Road, Hillsborough, NJ 08844
2. Rescue Wreckers, 107 Egel Avenue, Middlesex, NJ 08846-2505
3. Stewart’s Towing Inc, 24 Reading Boulevard, Belle Mead, NJ 08502-3917
4. Tom De Luccas Towing, Inc, 390 Burnt Mills Road, Branchburg, NJ 08876
MOTION SECOND NAME YEAS NAYS ABSTAIN ABSENT
Carra X
X Gara X
Giraldi X
Laggini X
X Lobell X
Soriano X
RESOLUTION 2011-02-039
Councilman Giraldi moved to approve Resolution 2011-01-039 and was seconded by Councilman Soriano.
Motion carried on the following roll call vote.
SOCIAL AFFAIR PERMIT
WHEREAS, a Social Affair Permit application has been filed for a wine tasting to be held at the St. Ann Church and School
grounds/parking area from June 14-18, 2011, from 5:00pm - 11:30pm to serve alcoholic beverages; and
WHEREAS, that the Chief of Police has no objections to the filing of said application; and
WHRERAS, the Borough Clerk has certified that not more than 25 Social Permits have been authorized for these premises
during this calendar year and the appropriate fee has been paid;
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Raritan that the Borough Clerk be authorized to
sign said application and forward same to the Department of Law & Public Safety, Division of
Alcoholic Beverage Control, Trenton, New Jersey.
MOTION SECOND NAME YEAS NAYS ABSTAIN ABSENT
Carra X
Gara X
X Giraldi X
Laggini X
Lobell X
X Soriano X
RESOLUTION 2011-02-040
Councilwoman Gara moved to approve Resolution 2011-01-040 and was seconded by Councilwoman Carra.
Motion carried on the following roll call vote.
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING ISSUANCE OF RAFFLE LICENSE
WHEREAS, the following have made application to the Borough of Raritan, Somerset County, for a Raffle License; and
WHEREAS, said applications have been presented to the Governing Body and the Police Department for Findings and
Determinations with no objections; and
WHEREAS, the Clerk has reported that the proper fees have been paid;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Clerk be instructed to issue a Raffle license to the following:
NUMBER NAME OF ORGANIZATION DATE OF RAFFLE
RA-522 The Catholic Church of St. Ann 06/18/11 at 11:00 pm
RA-523 The Catholic Church of St. Ann 06/14-18/11 at 10:00 pm
MOTION SECOND NAME YEAS NAYS ABSTAIN ABSENT
X Carra X
X Gara X
Giraldi X
Laggini X
Lobell X
Soriano X
RESOLUTION 2011-02-041
Councilman Giraldi moved to approve Resolution 2011-01-041 and was seconded by Council President Lobell.
Motion carried on the following roll call vote.
VEHICLES FOR HIRE – TAXI LICENSES
WHEREAS, Vehicles for Hire – Taxi Licenses applications have been filed for the period of January 1, 2011 through December 31, 2011; and
WHEREAS, the Clerk has reported that the proper fees have been paid; and
WHEREAS, that the Police Department has reviewed the applications with no objections to the applicants;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Raritan, in the County of Somerset,
State of New Jersey hereby approves a towing licenses for the following applicants:
MOTION SECOND NAME YEAS NAYS ABSTAIN ABSENT
Carra X
Gara X
X Giraldi X
Laggini X
X Lobell X
Soriano X
RESOLUTION 2011-02-042
Councilwoman Carra moved to approve Resolution 2011-01-042 and was seconded by Councilwoman Gara.
Motion carried on the following roll call vote.
2011 SPECIAL TEMPORARY APPROPRIATIONS $ 9,715,857.15
WHEREAS, an emergent condition has arisen with respect to general appropriations to meet invoices and no adequate
provision has been made in the 2011 temporary appropriations for the aforesaid purpose, and N.J.S.A.40A:20 provides for the
creation of an emergency temporary appropriation for the purpose above mentioned; and
WHEREAS, the total emergency temporary resolutions adopted in the year 2010 pursuant to the provisions of
Chapter 96, P.L. 1951 (N.J.S.40A:4-20) including this resolution will total $9,715,857.15.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED (not less than two-thirds of all the members thereof affirmatively concurring)
by the governing body of the Borough of Raritan, Somerset County, State of New Jersey that in accordance with the provisions
of N.J.S.40A4-20, the appropriations are hereby made to provide a cumulative temporary budget total not to
exceed $9,715,857.15; that said emergency appropriations will be provided for in the 2011 budget under the appropriate
budget line items; that one certified copy of this Resolution be filed with the Director of the Division of Local Government Services.
MOTION SECOND NAME YEAS NAYS ABSTAIN ABSENT
X Carra X
X Gara X
Giraldi X
Laggini X
Lobell X
Soriano X
RESOLUTION 2011-02-043
Councilwoman Carra moved to approve Resolution 2011-01-043 and was seconded by Councilman Laggini.
Motion carried on the following roll call vote.
TRANSPORTATION OF CERTAIN PUPILS TO REGIONAL SCHOOLS
WHEREAS, the Borough of Raritan has a need to provide transportation to and from certain regional schools for
some of its Borough pupils; and
WHEREAS, such transportation shall be provided at the expense of the Borough and payable in the following
fiscal year after it is provided by the Bridgewater-Raritan Regional School District; and
WHEREAS, the Bridgewater-Raritan Regional School District has provided the Borough with a listing of students/streets
and miles supporting costs; and
WHEREAS, the Bridgewater-Raritan Regional School District has provided a formula for determining costs associated
with the Hazardous Busing Agreement;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Borough Council of the Borough of Raritan that it enter into the agreement
between the Borough of Raritan and the Bridgewater-Raritan Regional School District for the school year 2010-2011,
payable after July 1, 2011, for $51,853.00.
MOTION SECOND NAME YEAS NAYS ABSTAIN ABSENT
X Carra X
Gara X
Giraldi X
X Laggini X
Lobell X
Soriano X
RESOLUTION 2011-02-044
Councilwoman Gara moved to approve Resolution 2011-01-044 and was seconded by Councilwoman Carra.
Motion carried on the following roll call vote.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT APPOINTMENT
BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Borough Council of the Borough of Raritan that Daniel Jaxel and John Orecchio is
hereby appointed as the representatives to the Community Development Committee for the year 2011.
MOTION SECOND NAME YEAS NAYS ABSTAIN ABSENT
X Carra X
X Gara X
Giraldi X
Laggini X
Lobell X
Soriano X
RESOLUTION 2011-02-045
Council President Lobell moved to approve Resolution 2011-01-045 and was seconded by Councilwoman Carra.
Councilwoman Gara stated that it would take approximately four months to train a new dispatcher and by the time
this individual is fully trained, the move to County dispatch would probably be in place.
Councilman Laggini questioned if there were any fully trained applicants and Chief Mark Ciesla replied that there
were no trained candidates.
There was discussion by the Governing Body.
Councilwoman Gara moved to table Resolution 2011-01-045 and was seconded by Councilwoman Carra.
Motion carried on the following roll call vote.
TABLED
PART-TIME DISPATCHER
WHEREAS, the Borough of Raritan wishes to employ a part-time dispatcher in the Police Department and the position
has been vacant since December of 2010; and
WHEREAS, Chief Mark Ciesla of Raritan Borough Police Department has recommended Aaron Michael Alosi of
Raritan, NJ 08869 to fill the position; and
WHEREAS, the background check and criminal history have been conducted yielding satisfactory results and
there are no objections have been made;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Borough Council of the Borough of Raritan that Aaron Michael Alosi
be hired for said position at a rate of $12.00 per hour, effective March 1, 2011.
Vote to table:
MOTION SECOND NAME YEAS NAYS ABSTAIN ABSENT
X Carra X
X Gara X
Giraldi X
Laggini X
Lobell X
Soriano X
PURCHASE ORDER REQUESTS
1. Fire Prevention and Construction: Hewlett Packard Co. in the amount of $1,914.00
Councilwoman Carra made a motion to approve the purchase order requests for Hewlett Packard Co. in the amount of $1,350.00.
The motion was seconded by Councilwoman Gara. Motion carried on the following roll call vote:
MOTION SECOND NAME YEAS NAYS ABSTAIN ABSENT
X Carra X
X Gara X
Giraldi X
Laggini X
Lobell X
Soriano X
2. Construction and Property Maintenance: Spatial Data Logic in the amount of $2,000.00
Councilwoman Gara made a motion to approve the purchase order requests for Spatial Data Logic in the amount of $2,000.00.
The motion was seconded by Councilman Giraldi. Motion carried on the following roll call vote:
MOTION SECOND NAME YEAS NAYS ABSTAIN ABSENT
Carra X
X Gara X
X Giraldi X
Laggini X
Lobell X
Soriano X
3. Fire Prevention: SHI International Corp. in the amount of $5,300.00
Council President Lobell made a motion to approve the purchase order requests for SHI International Corp. in the amount of $5,300.00.
The motion was seconded by Councilman Soriano. Motion carried on the following roll call vote:
MOTION SECOND NAME YEAS NAYS ABSTAIN ABSENT
Carra X
Gara X
Giraldi X
Laggini X
X Lobell X
X Soriano X
4. Capital: Hewlett Packard Co. in the amount of $8,537.23
Council President Lobell made a motion to approve the purchase order requests for Hewlett Packard Co. in the amount of $8,537.23.
The motion was seconded by Councilwoman Carra. Motion carried on the following roll call vote:
MOTION SECOND NAME YEAS NAYS ABSTAIN ABSENT
X Carra X
Gara X
Giraldi X
Laggini X
X Lobell X
Soriano X
5. Capital: Dell in the amount of $1,557.09
Councilwoman Carra made a motion to approve the purchase order requests for Dell in the amount of $1,557.09.
The motion was seconded by Council President Lobell. Motion carried on the following roll call vote:
MOTION SECOND NAME YEAS NAYS ABSTAIN ABSENT
X Carra X
Gara X
Giraldi X
Laggini X
X Lobell X
Soriano X
APPROVAL OF BILLS LIST
Motion was made by Councilwoman Carra to approve bills list, the motion was seconded by Councilwoman Gara. Motion carried.
Councilman Laggini inquired about two items listed on page ten of the bills list. Daniel Jaxel responded to his questions.
BE IT RESOLVED that claims in the amount of $2,863,699.37 having been listed on the Bill List and recorded in the files of
the Borough Hall, and are hereby approved to be paid by the Borough Council of the Borough of Raritan.
MOTION SECOND NAME YEAS NAYS ABSTAIN ABSENT
X Carra X
X Gara X
Giraldi X
Laggini X
Lobell X
Soriano X
COMMITTEE AND LIAISON REPORTS
Councilwoman Carra reported Administration and Finance, noting the Court and Car Wash receipts. She also stated that there
is a meeting to discuss the preliminary budget on Thursday, March 3rd at 2:00 pm with the auditors.
Council President Lobell reported for the Engineering & Public Works, Seniors Club, and the Cultural & Historic committee.
He noted that the heating units at DPW are failing and quotes are being requested. Council President noted that former
Mayor Anthony De Cicco and wife rejoined the seniors’ club.
Councilwoman Gara offered the following report:
COMMITTEE REPORT
February 22, 2011
POLICE –
On January 26th the following letter was delivered to the Raritan PD. (Letter was somewhat illegible) “My name is Edward Sodukos.
I live on Second Avenue in Raritan. I am writing this to tell you about Officer Robert Jones who assisted me home after the
recent snow storm. I am disabled and am able to walk with the assistance of a cane. I drove my truck to your parking lot.
It is difficult walking more than 20 yards with out resting and stopping because of artificial knees. Officer Robert Jones
assisted me home. I was more than thankful for his kindness. If he is an example of your police force, I will always be
grateful to you and your department. Thank you again.”
Raritan PD Monthly Activity Report for January – 960 General Complaints, 72 Motor Vehicle Accidents, 104 Moving Summons.
Any person interesting in obtaining a copy of the complete report may do so at the Raritan Police Department.
The Somerset County Vo-Tech will be starting the work in the trailer this Thursday and materials will be delivered Wednesday morning.
EMS –
The Somerville/Raritan Rescue Squad monthly report for January – Total number of calls – 168, Total number of calls for
Raritan Borough – 46. Raritan consisted of 27% of the total call volume for the month of January.
FIRE DEPARTMENT –
On February 6th the Public Safety Committee met with the Raritan Fire Department. The Fire Department has requested and would
greatly appreciate it if residents could remove the snow around any fire hydrants in and around their properties.
The Anderson Street Fire House is missing fire zone signs and street painting for same. The Fire Department is requesting that
we put a fire zone ordinance in effect at the North Thompson Street Fire House as well.
The Fire Department is ready to switch over to County Dispatch. The Public Safety Committee will discuss this matter
with the PD at our next meeting.
The FD has applied for two (2) grants totaling $38,000.00 if these are approved the FD will be purchasing new thermo
imaging cameras and two (2) new defibrillator.
The Public Safety Committee is in the process of putting a memo together for our Engineering and Public Works Department
on several different issues for our FD and will provide same shortly.
The FD has advised us that the paint is chipping at the Anderson Street Firehouse and the wood is starting to rot. We need to
look into what Grant monies are available and proceed to have this repaired.
Dan Jaxel is in the process of trying to obtain information from our insurance company regarding the Aerial Truck. Also, our
1983 MAC truck is need of replacement. Consideration in the near future as a capital expense needs to be explored on this matter.
The Public Safety Committee is looking for in-kind contributions for our FD. They are in need of a new refrigerator, stove,
oven and microwave. We are also reaching out to some of our local plumbers to see if they can assist in the installation of our
new washing machine (for the turn out gear).
The FD is also looking for volunteers to join the Department. Jr. Firefighters are from 14-17 years of age and Firefighter is
from 18-45 years of age.
The Fire Department has 25 fire calls for the month of January.
GRANTS COMMITTEE –
The Grants committee will be holding its first meeting tomorrow in the Community Room at 6 pm. We will be filing the
Chairman’s and Secretary positions.
HUMAN RESOURSES –
The Human Recourses Committee is requesting that the Administrator reach out to The Planning Board, Board of Adjustment,
Board of Health, Recreation and Environmental Secretaries. We need to schedule a meeting to discuss the salary for these positions.
Also due to the bad weather we need to re-schedule our meeting for putting together the Personnel Manual and Employee Handbook.
We will advise the Mayor and Council as we proceed with this matter.
REGIONAL CENTER –
I would like the Council to authorize Dan to send an invitation to the Regional Center and request that they join us this
Thursday for the DOT meeting. This project the DOT is looking into will affect the entire Regional Center and I believe they should
be invited to hear what the state has to say.
Lastly, I would like to Congratulate Councilwoman Denise Carra on winning the 2011 Somerset County Outstanding Woman in Government Award.
Any one interesting in attending the 19th Annual Outstanding Women in Somerset County Awards can obtain a ticket by calling
Paula Marasco at (908) 953-0791 or go to what’s New on the county website at co.somerset.nj.us and print the form. The event will
be held on Friday, March 25 at the Imperia in Somerset on Easton Avenue. Again, CONGRATS TO MS. CARRA.
Councilman Giraldi reported Library, noting that the board passed a preliminary budget.
Councilman Laggini reported for the School Board and the Board of Health, noting the Office of Vital Statistics and
Health Department receipts. He stated that the Board of Health did not hold a meeting due to inclement weather and noted the
Somerset County recycling programs. Councilman Laggini relayed complaints about the Rabies clinic held on January 22nd in Manville.
Councilwoman Carra offered the following report:
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION
The Environmental Commission elected their 2011 officers; Jim Foohey, Chairman; Brian Kaufman, Vice-Chairman; Joni Holland,
Secretary and John Gausz is the Planning Board Liaison.
David Maski, our Borough Planner, is finalizing the Environmental Sustainability Master Plan Element. Dave asked for additional
guidance in regard to green programs and initiatives in Raritan. The commission would like to see a “green buildings” ordinance
enacted by the Mayor & Council.
Jim Foohey discussed his strong opposition to the removal of 3 dams by the State Department of Environmental Protection.
DEP officials said this is an important step in a broader effort to improve the ability of fish to move upstream in the Raritan River
where they spawn. Jim feels this is not the case. Besides the river becoming shallow, there are other options such as fish ladders
and cut outs that would work.
The DEP also states that the dam removal will improve water flow, flushing sediment and nutrients and improving conditions for tiny
organisms that are an essential part of the food chain.
The Nevius Street Dam was build in 1901 for aesthetic purposes and later was repurposed to provide water to ponds on the nearby
Dukes Estates in Hillsborough.
The Environmental Commission questioned why Bridgewater approved T-Mobile cell tower on Old York Rd. when Raritan just approved
one at the DPW site. The Bridgewater Zoning Board of Adjustment had originally denied a 120 feet tall cell tower at 65 Old York Rd.
saying the proposal was not particularly suited for the site because it is located in a flood zone and too close to Old York Rd.
T-Mobile sued in March 2010 and won a decision in November 2010 that reversed the board’s findings and sent the application back
to the zoning board, which approved the cell tower application at its February 1st meeting.
Members of the Environmental Commission had concerns with the soil remediation and groundwater issues at the Willow Walk site.
The Willow Walk project (northern portion), has been issued a “No Further Action Letter”. The final soil remedial action report was
submitted and is currently under review for the southern portion of the site. This report deals with soil areas of concern and
groundwater contamination. Although not completely reviewed, the conclusions in the report state that no further action is
required for the soils on the site. A groundwater remedial action work plan was approved for the remediation of volatile organic
compound contamination in the groundwater.
Our next Environmental Commission meeting is Wednesday, March 2, 2011 at 7:00 pm.
Councilman Soriano offered the Recreation report, noting that the Recreation Commission welcomed Alex to the Recreation Commission
and stated that YOMS did not meet.
Mayor Liptak reported on various items of correspondence. She stated a special joint meeting of the Borough of Raritan and the
Borough of Somerville will be held on March 3, 2011 to discuss DPW shared services, not a merger. Mayor Liptak specifically noted
the NJDOT meeting on February 24, 2011 regarding Route 202 and First Avenue. She encouraged residents to nominate people for
the Volunteer of the Year award and congratulated Councilwoman Denise Carra on being named 2011 Somerset County Outstanding Woman
in Government Award.
OLD BUSINESS
Councilwoman Gara the following report:
COUNTY DISPATCH REPORT
Public Safety Report
(Old Business)
February 22, 2011
The Public Safety Committee along with Chief Ciesla, Lt. Kenneth McCormick and Borough Administrator Dan Jaxel met the Chief Stahl
and the County on February 10th. We had the opportunity to walk through the Command Center and I must say it is state of the art!
Chief Stahl has advised us that the Mayor and Council will have an opportunity to visit the Command Center prior to us
transitioning over to County Dispatch.
When we first spoke with the County we were advised that a 6 month due diligence was going to be required prior to us
making a decision. The due diligence consisted of the following: sitting with our dispatchers to review call volumes, review
the PD for the County QED (CAD and records management), process of transitioning our Fire Department and EMS to County,
our 911 System and the radio situation with the Borough (where we are at with narrow band).
Prior to us meeting, Lt. McCormick provided a detailed breakdown of our total call volume to Chief Stahl for his review.
Chief Stahl has advised us that Raritan is actually ahead in this department. Lt. McCormick has already provided our numbers
to the County, we are already on the County QED (CAD and records management), our Fire Department and EMS are already
with County and all of our 911 calls are already with County. So the need for a 6 month due diligence is not necessary.
Basically, if we want to go to County dispatch we will need to do the following prior to transitioning over:
Have our police department narrow band compliant and our building secured. In order to get our radios we will need to move on
our capital budget in an expedient matter. The County has also stated that they would prefer that each officer has his or her
own radio. The radios are equipped with a “man down” button. It is easier that each radio is directly associated with a specific
officer this way in the event of a problem that officers name immediately appears on the screen and they know exactly who is in
trouble and thru the CAD system they will know there last known location of said officer. Only one other community is allowing the
PD to share radios and the County has stated they are going to request that community to upgrade (if possible, not mandated) to
one radio per officer/detective/etc. They believe it is not only a safety issue but feel the equipment will be better maintained
when it is “your own”.
Now in order to get the building secure we will need to do the following: Security system throughout the building, this will
address the panic buttons as well as our Fire Alarm system throughout the building and a security system for the police department
since we will not have a “body” in the department at all times. Locks and/or doors will need to be replaced throughout the building.
We must figure out what the police will do when they have a prisoner in the building. (Councilman Giraldi has offered to work
with the police on looking for ways to secure the building. This works well because Buildings and Grounds should take on this
task working with the police.)
We will also need to get two or possibly three additional phone lines in building. The first line will be placed outside so
when an individual comes to the police department they will pick up the line and it will ring directly to County and the
appreciate action will be taken. A second line will need to be added to our phone tree system (we currently work from a
tree system in the department now) this line will be for our seniors to call in and leave a message advising the PD they are OK.
A member of the Police Department would then pull those calls in the a.m. and reach out to those who did not call it.
We may need to get a maintenance agreement and/or a yearly contract for the phone system so we can adjust the program for events.
A third line should be in place for special events (i.e. Basilone Parade, Easter Egg Hunt, etc.) this line would leave a message
stating something along the lines of “Somerset St. will be closed due to the Basilone Parade from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
There will be no parking on Thompson Street during the hours of 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and so on and so forth.
Chief Ciesla is currently working with his secretary and administration to see what other issues will need to be addressed.
One other item, the Chief will be providing us with a detailed outline in the event we need to keep one of our current dispatchers
on as a secretary, whether it is in a part time capacity or full time. If needed, he will justify to the Mayor and Council the
need for this position and we shall provide same upon receipt. (**This will be provided at a later date**)
The County is ready to take Raritan on as soon as we are ready. If we are able to move on the above we shall be able to
transition over prior to the end of this year.
There was discussion by the Governing Body with Lieutenant McCormick and Chief Ciesla on the need to purchase the radios.
Mayor Liptak directed Lt. McCormick to investigate further the prices. She also charged the Engineering and Public Works
committee to examine the need for radios in the DPW.
NEW BUSINESS
Mayor Liptak distributed information on creating a Municipal Land Use Board to the Council and requested this item be
listed on the March 8, 2011 Agenda-Workshop Meeting agenda.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Mark Gara, 21 Church Street, Raritan, NJ 08869: He expressed his concern over residents asking the Police Chief for discretion and
noted that most people in Raritan are happy with the snow removal.
Anthony De Cicco, 10 Anderson Street, Raritan, NJ 08869: He commented on the article he read on the joint meeting with Somerville
and questioned the purpose of the meeting.
Mayor Liptak reiterated to him that the meeting is not to discuss a merger of the two departments, but only to consider sharing
services such as joint purchasing of supplies and equipment.
Jim Foohey, 710 Rhine Boulevard, Raritan, NJ 08869: He commented on the NJDOT meeting on February 24, 2011 regarding Route 202
and First Avenue and suggested a flashing stop sign at the intersection of Bell Avenue and Thompson Street.
Councilman Soriano noted that residents would be afforded the opportunity to speak directly with the NJDOT representatives
at the meeting.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Mayor Liptak read the Resolution to enter Executive Session.
RESOLUTION 2011-02-046
Councilwoman Carra moved to approve the following Resolution 2011-01-046 and was seconded by Councilwoman Gara.
Motion carried on the following roll call vote.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
WHEREAS, the Open Public Meetings Act, N.J.S.A. 10:4-7, et seq., commonly known as the “Sunshine Law”, requires that
Borough Council meetings be open to the public except for the discussion of certain subjects; and
WHEREAS, the “Sunshine Law” requires that a closed session be authorized by Resolution;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Borough of Raritan that the following portion of this meeting shall
be closed to the public; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the meeting shall be resumed at the end of closed session; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the subjects to be discussed and the time of public release of the minutes of the
closed session are indicated below:
SUBJECT MATTER
1. Collective Bargaining Agreement – PBA
2. Personnel – Police and Construction Code
3. Attorney-Client Privilege
TIME WHEN AND THE CIRCUMSTANCES UNDER WHICH THE SUBJECT MATTER CAN BE DISCLOSED:
Upon authorization by the Borough Attorney
MOTION SECOND NAME YEAS NAYS ABSTAIN ABSENT
X Carra X
X Gara X
Giraldi X
Laggini X
Lobell X
Soriano X
A motion was made by Councilwoman Carra and seconded by Councilman Laggini to adjourn the Executive Session and to return
to the normal order of business. Motion carried.
ADJOURNMENT
Councilwoman Carra moved to adjourn the meeting and seconded by Councilwoman Gara. Motion carried.
Meeting adjourned at 10:34 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Rayna E. Harris, RMC
Borough Clerk