BOROUGH OF RARITAN
REGULAR MEETING
JANUARY 25, 2011
The Regular Meeting of the Borough of Raritan Council was held on January 25, 2011 in the Municipal Building,
22 First Street, Raritan, NJ 08869 at 8:15 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;
Stanley J. Schrek, Borough Engineer and Rayna E. Harris, Borough Clerk
Council President Lobell presented the invocation and flag salute.
PRESENTATIONS
Police Chief Mark Ciesla introduced Robert Hellwig of the Somerville Elks Lodge #1068. Mr. Hellwig presented
the Chief with a $4,500 donation check to support DARE and other youth programs in the Borough.
The donation was made possible by the proceeds of the Elks’ 12th Annual Comic Relief Night.
PROCLAMATION
Mayor Liptak read the following Proclamation:
2011 NATIONAL WEAR RED DAY FOR WOMEN
Borough of Raritan, New Jersey
WHEREAS, diseases of the heart are the nations’ leading cause of death and stroke is the third
leading cause of death;
WHEREAS, cardiovascular disease claims the lives of nearly 422,000 American females each year,
approximately one death per minute;
WHEREAS, each year, 52% of all deaths due to cardiovascular disease and 60% of stroke deaths
occur in females;
WHEREAS, too many women dies each year because they are unaware that heart disease is their number one killer.
WHEREAS, in 2007, the direct and indirect cost of cardiovascular diseases in the U.S. including stroke, was
estimated to be $286 billion;
WHEREAS, nearly as many women die of heart disease, stroke, and all other cardiovascular diseases than the
next four leading causes of death combined, including all cancers;
WHEEREAS, only 16% of women surveyed in 2009 identified cardiovascular disease as the greatest health problem facing them;
WHEREAS, February is designated as American Heart Month;
WHEREAS, Go Red for Women is the American heart Association’s national call to increase awareness about
heart disease-the leading cause of death for women-and to inspire women to take charge of their heart health;
WHEARAS, all women should learn their own personal risk for heart disease, using tools such as the
American Heart Association’s My Life Check, Go Red for Women Heart Check-up, Go Red for Women Better U, and by
talking with their health care provider;
WHEREAS, making the right choices relating to proper nutrition, physical activity, and other healthy
lifestyle choices are essential to living a heart healthy life, and
WHEREAS, by choosing to MAKE IT YOUR MISSION! You can save lives.
NOW, THEREFORE, I Jo-Ann Liptak, Mayor of the Borough of Raritan, in recognition of the importance of the ongoing
fight against heart disease and stroke, do hereby proclaim Friday, February 4, 2011 to be
NATIONAL WEAR RED DAY FOR WOMEN
In the Borough of Raritan, County of Somerset and urge all citizens to show their support for women and the fight
against hear disease by commemorating this day by wearing the color red.
APPOINTMENTS BY MAYOR
Mayor Liptak made the following appointments:
Emergency Management Council
Jo-Ann Liptak, Mayor
Robert Lisa, OEM Coordinator
Lt. Kenneth J. McCormick III, Deputy OEM Coordinator
Mark D. Ciesla, Chief of Police
Carl Memoli, Fire Chief
Steve Weinman, EMS Chief Somerville Rescue Squad
Daniel Jaxel, Borough Administrator
John Horensky, Somerset County Health Officer
Stanley J. Schrek, Borough Engineer
Daniel LaVerde, Public Works Superintendent
George Weaver, Director of Engineering
Courier Newspaper
Economic Development Committee
Jo-Ann Liptak, Mayor
Donald Christensen, Chairman; Christensen Tamburri Communications
Lourdes Salko, TD Bank
Ray Tropiano, Tropiano & Sons Jewlers
John Maddocks, Somerset County Business Partnership
Denise Carra, Councilwoman
Georgeann De Luca, Innovative Business Consultants and Developers
Michael Samoszuk, MD, Ortho Clinical Diagnostics
Linda McMurray, River Park at Raritan
Gerald O’Brien, Construction Consultant & Estimator
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Agenda Meeting: December 14, 2010 Minutes were presented for approval. Motion was made by Councilwoman Gara to approve,
seconded by Councilwoman Carra. 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
Executive Session: December 14, 2010 Minutes were presented for approval. Motion was made by Councilwoman Gara to approve,
seconded by Councilwoman Carra. 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
Regular Meeting: December 14, 2010 Minutes were presented for approval. Motion was made by Councilwoman Gara to approve,
seconded by Councilwoman Carra. 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
Reorganization Meeting: January 2, 2011 Minutes were presented for approval as corrected. Motion was made by
Councilwoman Carra to approve, 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
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.
Marguerite Caruso, 73 Second Avenue, Raritan, NJ 08869: She commented on the parking restrictions during snow conditions,
noting that there is a lack of parking on her street and various obstacles to compliance in her opinion.
Ms. Caruso expressed her displeasure with the enforcement of the ordinance, noting provisions for people in her
situation were not made beforehand. She did not feel the fine was fair and it should not be her responsibility.
Mayor Liptak responded that the ordinance had been in place since 2004, but enforcement was lacking.
Chief Mark Ciesla noted that the Police Department is looking to find solutions for those residents
on streets with limited parking.
Chris Holw, 49 Quick Avenue, Raritan, NJ 08869: He commented on the parking restrictions during snow conditions,
noting that other municipalities have come up with options for parking during inclement weather or emergencies
such as alternate side of the street parking. Mr. Holw stated that moving the cars and walking back to the property
is a hazard for the senior citizens, noting his elderly mother had difficulties. He felt that the alternate side
of the street parking would simply take more strategic planning, but is not impossible.
Mayor Liptak stated her objections to alternate street parking, noting that the town only owns four plows.
Council President Lobell stated that the Department of Public Works (DPW) will waste valuable time plowing streets
twice to wait for the movement of cars to the alternate side of the street.
Ron Rispoli, 22 Woodmere Street, Raritan, NJ .08869: He stated that the current process of removing cars from the
street during inclement weather seems to be working.
Toni Izen, 51 Quick Avenue, Raritan, NJ 08869: She stated that she and her 77 year old mother did not receive the
letter regarding the parking during inclement weather or emergencies and she will fight the ticket.
Mayor Liptak replied that the notice was in the fall 2010 Raritan Newsletter, posted on the Raritan Borough website
and the message was sent out via the Nixel free alert system.
Councilwoman Gara suggested residents park the cars on their lawns if feasible.
Jim Foohey, 710 Rhine Boulevard, Raritan, NJ 08869: He commented on an article about the Borough of Raritan regarding
Courtroom/ Council Chambers security, noting that metal detectors are not 100% effective. Mr. Foohey suggested
installing a security camera at the back door and a buzzer system. He then stated that, in regards to the
Countywide Police Merger Study, the savings must be clearly shown and in black and white.
Mayor Liptak responded to his remarks.
Brenton Boxwell, 45 Quick Avenue, Raritan, NJ 08869: He commented on the parking restrictions during snow conditions
and expressed his belief that the tickets were issued prematurely of the accumulation. Mr. Boxwell stated that he
appreciates the job done by DPW, but will consider installing a driveway now.
Mayor Liptak urged everyone to sign up for the Nixel free alert system.
Chief Mark Ciesla stated that tickets begin being issued when the snow plows go out. He also noted that the
Police Department utilizes the National Weather Service and the Somerset County OEM for information.
Councilman Laggini offered to allow Ms. Caruso to park on his property and would be willing assist those residents
who choose to park at the Municipal lot. He stated that something needs to be done.
Councilman Giraldi remarked on the perfect condition of his street due to the parking restriction during the plowing.
Nancy Raab, 49 Quick Avenue, Raritan, NJ 08869: She asked where to park her car during the next snow storm because
she does not have a driveway.
Council President Lobell suggested parking at the orthodontist (doctor’s) office lot.
Don Tozzi, 38 Glaser Avenue, Raritan, NJ 08869: He stated that he has no driveway and three cars, yet he has found
many ways around the parking restrictions. Mr. Tozzi also remarked on the benefit of the Nixel free alert system.
Council President Lobell stated noted there is a sacrifice for getting the roads properly cleared.
Councilman Soriano noted that all streets need to be accessible and cleared for emergency vehicles.
RESOLUTIONS
RESOLUTION 2011-01-027
Council President Lobell moved to approve the following Resolution 2011-01-027 and was seconded by Councilman Soriano.
Motion carried on the following roll call vote.
WHEREAS, the Mandatory Source Separation and Recycling Act, PL 1987, c. 102, has established a recycling fund from
which tonnage grant may be made to municipalities in order to encourage local source separation and recycling programs; and
WHEREAS, it is the intent and spirit of the Mandatory Source Separation and Recycling Act to use the tonnage grants
to develop new municipal recycling programs and to continue and expand existing programs; and
WHEREAS, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection is promulgating recycling regulations to implement
the Mandatory Source Separation and Recycling Act; and
WHEREAS, the recycling regulations impose on municipalities certain requirements as a condition for applying for
tonnage grants, including, but not limited to, making and keeping accurate, verifiable records of materials collected
and claimed by the municipality; and
WHEREAS, a resolution authorizing this municipality to apply for the 2010 Recycling Tonnage Grant will memorialize
the commitment of this municipality to recycling and indicate the assent of the Mayor and Borough Council to the
efforts undertaken by the municipality and the requirements contained in the Recycling Act and recycling regulations; and
WHEREAS, such a resolution should designate the individual authorized to ensure that the application is properly
completed and timely filed;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Borough Council of the Borough of Raritan that the Borough of
Raritan hereby endorses the submission of the 2010Recycling Tonnage Grant Application to the New Jersey Department
of Environmental Protection and designates Robert Fulminante, Recycling Coordinator, to ensure that the said
Application is properly filed.
MOTION SECOND NAME YEAS NAYS ABSTAIN ABSENT
Carra X
Gara X
Giraldi X
Laggini X
X Lobell X
X Soriano X
RESOLUTION 2011-01-028
Council President Lobell moved to approve the following Resolution 2011-01-028 and was seconded by Councilman Giraldi.
Motion carried on the following roll call vote.
2011 RESIDENTIAL RECYCLING SERVICES
WHEREAS, the Borough of Raritan wishes to enter into an agreement for residential recycling services for 2011; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Raritan that the 2011 recycling
agreement between the Borough and the County of Somerset for residential recycling services at an annual cost
of $23.85 per household is hereby approved.
MOTION SECOND NAME YEAS NAYS ABSTAIN ABSENT
Carra X
Gara X
X Giraldi X
Laggini X
X Lobell X
Soriano X
RESOLUTION 2011-01-029
Council President Lobell moved to approve the following Resolution 2011-01-029 and was seconded by Councilwoman Gara.
Motion carried on the following roll call vote.
RENEWAL OF PLENARY RETAIL CONSUMPTION LICENSE
WHEREAS, the Plenary Retail Consumption Liquor License Renewal Application from Ye Olde Yorke Inn Inc.
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 Ye Olde Yorke Inn Inc. license no. 1816-33-020-004 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
Carra X
X Gara X
Giraldi X
Laggini X
X Lobell X
Soriano X
RESOLUTION 2011-01-030
Council President Lobell moved to approve the following Resolution 2011-01-030 and was seconded by Councilman Giraldi.
Motion carried on the following roll call vote.
AMUSEMENT GAMES LICENSES
WHEREAS, Amusements: Games/Videos/Jukeboxes/Pool Tables 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 licenses for the following applicants:
1. Some Place Else, 76 First Avenue, Raritan, NJ: 1 Jukebox; 1 Videogame; 1 Pool table
2. Michael’s Inn, 46 Thompson Street, Raritan, NJ: 1 Jukebox; 1 Videogame
3. Raritan Moose Lodge #1965, 54 Second Street, Raritan, NJ: 1 Jukebox; 1 Pool table
4. De Cicco’s Tavern, 10 Anderson Street, Raritan, NJ: 1 Jukebox; 1 Pool table
MOTION SECOND NAME YEAS NAYS ABSTAIN ABSENT
Carra X
Gara X
X Giraldi X
Laggini X
X Lobell X
Soriano X
RESOLUTION 2011-01-031
Councilwoman Carra moved to approve the following Resolution 2011-01-031 and was seconded by Councilman Laggini.
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. Exodus Towing, LLC, 544 Steele Gap Road, Bridgewater, NJ 08807
2. Ideal Auto Body, LLC, 35 Old York Road, Bridgewater, NJ 08807
3. Mike’s Towing & Recovery Inc, 643 East Main Street, Bridgewater, NJ 08807
4. Somerset Hill Towing, 580 Union Avenue, Bridgewater, NJ 08807
5. Value Towing Corporation, PO Box 325, Raritan, NJ 08869
MOTION SECOND NAME YEAS NAYS ABSTAIN ABSENT
X Carra X
Gara X
Giraldi X
X Laggini X
Lobell X
Soriano X
RESOLUTION 2011-01-032
Councilwoman Gara moved to approve the following Resolution 2011-01-032 and was seconded by Councilwoman Carra.
Motion carried on the following roll call vote.
RECEIPT OF DISASTER PREPAREDNESS ASSESSMENT
WHEREAS, the State of New Jersey has launched its pioneering Public Archives and Records Infrastructure Support (PARIS)
grant program to meet the strategic records management, needs of county and municipal governments; and
WHEREAS, in support of this program Access Systems has been contracted through Somerset County to perform a
Disaster Preparedness Assessments focused on essential records and develop draft Business Records Continuity Plans
(BRCP) and Disaster Preparedness Assessment Reports for each of the 21 municipalities within the County.
WHEREAS, also included as a part of this project was a preparedness review of all of the County’s departments
and divisions with regards to their respective abilities to protect and readily access essential records in event of a disaster.
WHEREAS, this document addresses the project’s findings within the various functional units of each municipality
as well as provides recommendations for the municipality to further protect its own records and ensure their accessibility
in the event of a disaster.
WHEREAS, a separate document given to the county called the “Municipal Business Records Protection Assessment Summary Report”,
presents a summary of the findings among the 21 municipalities and their ability to respond to a disaster affecting electronic
and hardcopy records. Additionally, the summary document also identifies common areas needing improvements in disaster
prevention and recovery among the municipalities, and where the County may be able to provide further assistance related to
protecting essential municipal records. This document will be used by the county to identify further potential grant funding
to assist the municipalities in their endeavors to enhance their disaster preparedness and Business Records Continuity Plans (BRCP)
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Raritan, that the Borough of Raritan has received
the Disaster Preparedness Assessment in addition to the Business Records Continuity Plans (BRCP) prepared by Access Systems
per the contract with Somerset County.
MOTION SECOND NAME YEAS NAYS ABSTAIN ABSENT
X Carra X
X Gara X
Giraldi X
Laggini X
Lobell X
Soriano X
APPROVAL OF BILLS LIST
Motion was made by Councilwoman Carra to approve bills list, the motion was seconded by Council President Lobell. Motion carried.
BE IT RESOLVED that claims in the amount of $3,946,208.59 having been listed on the Bill List and recorded in the files of the
Borough Hall, and are hereby approved to be paid.
MOTION SECOND NAME YEAS NAYS ABSTAIN ABSENT
X Carra X
Gara X
Giraldi X
Laggini X
X Lobell X
Soriano X
REPORTS: COMMITTEES AND LIAISON
Councilwoman Carra reported Administration and Finance, noting the Court and Car Wash receipts.
She also stated the 2011 budget process is underway.
Councilwoman Gara offered the following report:
Public Safety Report
Public Safety Committee – Councilwoman Carra, Councilwoman Gara, Councilman Soriano
We met with Michael Herrera of Vo-Tech on Monday, January 24th to inspect the floor of the Detectives Trailer.
Vo-Tech has advised me that the Board has approved the project and the students will be replacing the floor in the
trailer on February 24th and 25th. The Plumbing class will also be helping in this project with respect to the bathroom (i.e. toilet).
Mark Gara of Gara Construction and Lt. McCormick have volunteered there services to lay the carpet in both offices as well as
the vinyl flooring in the foyer and toilet areas. We would like to thank in advance all these volunteers for there time and
efforts on this project.
There was general consent of the Council to proceed with the renovation.
The public safety committee along with Chief Ciesla would like to thank YOMS (Youth on Main Street), Melinda Perry,
Councilman Lobell, Patty Lobell, Mayor Liptak, The Hillsborough Girl Scouts, Jakob and Madison Gara, Nick Hamilton and
the Raritan Borough PD for their assistance in walking door to door to every resident in the community to inform them
about the enforcement of ordinance 04-04 (No Parking on Borough Roads when Snow covered) If anyone is still having
difficulties finding off street parking please contact the Borough Hall or the Raritan PD for assistance.
On February 1 Chief Ciesla, Lt. McCormick, Dan Jaxel, Councilwoman Carra, Councilman Soriano and myself will be
meeting with Chief Stahl, Director, Department of Health and Public Safety in Somerset County to begin the study on
Raritan’s possibility to merge with County Dispatch. The Dispatch Merger Committee will keep the Mayor, Council and
public informed on this process as we move forward.
We would again like to urge all residents to sign up for Nixle at www.nixle.com this is an invaluable tool that will
provide you with up to the minute updates on important notification from the Borough. Not only will you receive an
email you can also set yourself up to receive text messages with this service.
On Saturday January 15th Councilwoman Carra, Mayor Liptak and myself attended the Somerville/Raritan Rescue Squads
annual banquet. It was a wonderful evening and many awards and certificates were presented.
On Monday, January 24th Councilwoman Carra, Councilman Soriano and myself met with the Somerville/Raritan Rescue Squad
to discuss the needs of both communities. We would like to remind the public that our EMS services are provided by
volunteers and urge all residents to please make a donation to our joint
Rescue Squad. They provide an invaluable service to our community and we thank them. We would also like to reach out
to the community for some ideas on holding a fund raiser for both our volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad.
Regional Center
On Wednesday, January 19th I attended the bi-monthly Regional Center meeting. The topics discussed included a
presentation from NJWSA kicking off a pilot project for rain barrel rebates within the communities of Raritan,
Bridgewater and Somerville. Details on this program shall follow. Also discussed was the First Avenue/Route 202
project currently under investigation with NJDOT. We explained to RC that NJDOT has no intentions on making any
improvements with First Avenue and the proposed changes will not upgrade the current failing intersection.
RC has advised Raritan that they will discuss this matter with the Somerset County Freeholders and express their concerns.
They want to be sure as NJDOT moves forward they do so with the assistance and input of the Borough to ensure
this not only helps the residents of our community but the entire RC.
Human Resources
(Human Resources Committee – Councilwoman Gara, Councilman Lobell, Councilman Laggini)
The Human Resources Committee met on January 13th to discuss the preparation and implementation of a Personnel Manual
and an Employee Handbook. We are in the process of reviewing manuals and handbooks from surrounding communities and
will be meeting again this Thursday. We are hopeful to have this task complete before the end of May and will be
moving forward with employee reviews by June.
Grants Committee
The Grants committee will be looking for grants/funding for EMS as well as our PD. We will be holding our first
meeting on February 23rd in the Community Room.
Councilman Laggini: Board of Education and Board of Health
Councilman Giraldi: Basilone Parade Committee and Library Board of Trustees
Mayor Liptak: General Items and Correspondence
Council President Lobell reported for the Engineering & Public Works, Seniors Club, and the Cultural & Historic committee.
He noted his attendance at the Seniors’ meeting.
Councilman Soriano offered the following report:
Raritan Recreation Report
1. Winter Programs
• Recreation's winter programs are all up and running. These include the adult volleyball, basketball
and Zumba programs as well as the youth programs of soccer, basketball and cheerleading. The Zumba class has
proven to be more successful than anticipated, with over 30 registered participants.
2. Baseball & Softball
• Baseball and Softball registration is currently open and flyers went out to the kids.
In-person registration took place on Saturday, January 22nd and there is another in-person registration this
Saturday, January 29th from 9am-1pm in the Community Room of the Municipal Building. Registration forms can also be
found online at the official Borough website and Raritan-Online.com. A date for opening day is still to be determined.
3. Facilities & Grounds
• New equipment is planned to be installed this Spring and Summer at various park and playground locations.
Prospective work includes new picnic tables and benches at Canal Park West, and new benches at the Frelinghuysen and Basilone Pools.
Youth On Main Street (Y.O.M.S.) Report
1. Recent Service/Activities
• Several Youth On Main Street volunteers assisted the police department by distributing the letter regarding the
Emergency No Parking Ordinance 04-04 to help get the word out.
The next Y.O.M.S. meeting will be held in February at a date to be determined. Discussion will include potential
Spring fund raisers to help pay for the supplies the group
Councilwoman Carra offered the following report:
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE REPORT
Our new committee had an amazing first year. We finalized our committee purpose, vision and geographic scope.
Committee Purpose
To achieve the goal of the Borough’s master plan through identifying opportunities in the form of alliances with
other groups, and traditional and non-traditional sources of funding, to foster a stronger business environment for
the betterment of the people who live and work in Raritan Borough.
To identify Raritan’s greatest assets, and then enhance and/or utilize those assets to attract new residents,
foster growth of desirable business & industry, and to draw visitors to the Borough, thus energizing commerce.
Committee Vision Statement
Create a robust, sustainable and diversified economy for the Borough, revitalizing the central business district into a
lively downtown destination for both residents and visitors, thus making Raritan a more desirable place to work, live, shop or visit.
Committee Geographic Boundaries
Initially, the committee will focus on the area created by the boundaries of the train station and the Raritan River,
and Route 206 to First Avenue. The focus will broaden over time so that all areas of the Borough will be addressed.
We ended our year with a milestone meeting last month with representatives from Dukes Farms and the Somerset Parks Commission.
We laid the groundwork for a very promising 2011.
At our January 4th meeting we welcomed two new members Gerald (Jerry) O’Brien, a Construction Consultant from Raritan and
Linda McMurray, Sales Manager from Raritan River Park, both of whom will be a great asset to our committee.
At the meeting this month, the committee focused largely on the riverfront and agreed that this is a priority and
special attention should be given to that area. We discussed talking with businesses along the Orlando Drive corridor
to upgrade their buildings to conform with a desirable setting that the committee has envisioned for that area.
Georgeann DeLuca, a committee member and CEO/Founder of Innovative Business Consultants and Developers has been in
contact with Diane Hawkins, the niece of John Basilone. Diane is creating a documentary about her Uncle John.
The committee agreed to have her come to one of our meetings to discuss the possibility of doing a speaking or fundraising event.
This event would educate and inform Raritan residents and businesses firsthand about the project she is working on.
Georgeann plans on approaching other producers to do a primetime TV show, a big screen release or maybe even
a play on John Basilone. This would create a win-win for everyone and put Raritan on the map as a
destination place for people to visit.
Our next Economic Development Committee meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, February 1, 2011 @ 4:30 pm.
The committee is particularly grateful to Linda McMurray for making the lounge at Raritan River Park available
to us for our meetings.
Councilman Laggini reported for the School Board and the board of Health, noting the Office of Vital Statistics receipts.
He remarked on the award given to him from the Rescue Squad, but noted they are the true heroes.
Councilman Giraldi reported Library, noting that the new board members were sworn in at the recent meeting.
Mayor Liptak reported on various items of correspondence, noting John Basilone will be inducted into the
New Jersey Hall of Fame in June. She noted the success of “Lunch with the Mayor” and the letters she received on the
great job by DPW on the snow removal. Mayor Liptak specifically noted the NJDOT meeting on
February 24, 2011 regarding Route 202 and First Avenue.
OLD BUSINESS
Stanley J. Schrek offered the Engineer’s Report below:
Orlando Drive
The final documents pertaining to the Orlando Drive route survey have been forwarded to the County Engineer’s office.
The County Engineer will review the documents then arrange a meeting to discuss and determine the next action steps for
County consideration of the Orlando Drive takeover.
Cardinal Woods I & I
We are continuing with field mapping of the sanitary sewers in the Cardinal Woods area.
The field information is necessary to enable the preparation of a bid specification for video inspection.
DPW is assisting in this mapping process as weather and schedule permits.
Johnson Drive Improvements
Field survey and base mapping is proceeding as the weather allows.
Third Street Improvements
Base mapping is complete.
Direct Install Program
The consultant for this project, Donnelly Energy Solutions, has made a request that the unused portion of the
Borough’s $20,000 grant be allocated to the Board of Ed. This equates to $2400. I discussed this, in detail,
with the consultant in an effort to find remaining work in our own facilities. As the Borough has stayed ahead of
equipment replacement, there are no projects in either the Municipal Building or the DPW garage. We cannot work at
the Anderson St Firehouse due to historical constraints and the North Thompson Street Firehouse is not a Borough
owned facility. Accordingly, I recommend that remaining funds be allocated as suggested.
Busky Lane Park
Sometime last year, the Borough discussed the sale of the park on Busky Lane. A decision needs to be made as to
whether or not the sale of the property will move forward. If not, then the Borough must consider appropriation of
funds necessary for environmental cleanup.
NEW BUSINESS
Daniel Jaxel stated the need to replace the computer server in the Administration Office. The quote was reviewed.
There was general consent of the Council to proceed with the preparation of the Capital Ordinance.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Don Tozzi, 38 Glaser Avenue, Raritan, NJ 08869: He stated that he met with some Historic and Cultural committee members
to examine letters written during World War II and discuss converting the letters to an electronic format for preservation.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Mayor Liptak read the Resolution to enter Executive Session.
RESOLUTION 2011-01-033
Councilwoman Carra moved to approve the following Resolution 2011-01-033 and was seconded by Councilman Laggini.
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. Contract/Agreement
2. Collective Bargaining Agreement – PBA
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
Gara X
Giraldi X
X Laggini X
Lobell X
Soriano X
A motion was made by Councilwoman Gara and seconded by Councilwoman Carra to adjourn the Executive Session and to
return to the normal order of business. Motion carried.
ADJOURNMENT
Councilwoman Gara moved to adjourn the meeting and seconded by Councilwoman Carra. Motion carried.
Meeting adjourned at 9:58 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Rayna E. Harris, RMC
Borough Clerk