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HomeMy Public PortalAbout05-19-11c*NAY .19_,. -:M A Regular Meeting of the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Nhy 19, 2011 Carteret was called to order by Mayor Daniel J. Reiman at 6:00 P.M., Thursday, May 19, 2011, Council Chambers, Memorial Municipal Building, 61 Cooke Avenue, Carteret, New Jersey. Upon individual roll call vote the following were noted present: F4xT. CALL Councilmember Jorge Diaz Randy Krum " Susan Naples Joseph W. Sitarz Noted Absent were Councilmembers Vincent Bellino and Dennis DiMascio. Also noted present was Kathleen M. Barney, Municipal Clerk and Robert Bergen, Borough Attorney. The meeting was opened with a minute of silent prayer and the Silent Prayer/ Pledge of Allegiance led by Mayor Daniel J. Reiman. Pledge of Allegiarr- The Clerk stated that on January 3, 2011, the 2011 Annual Notice SDUDENF CF was mailed to The Home News Tribune and The Star ledger and ME= N MCE posted on the bulletin Board and published on January 4, 2011, Upon MMS &C by Councilmembers Diaz and Krum and unanimous MRU1JS FOR affirmative vote of the four (4) Councilmembers present, the APIA 1 Mai' 19, 2011 Minutes of May 5, 2011 were approved and transcribed and engrossed by the Clerk. First Reading - CRDIIWM #11 -12 ORDINANCE #11 -12 was introduced and adopted on First Reading lug Bcrd and the Clerk authorized and directed to advertise same for Public Crdi.r, 13vvid for tte Hearing to be held on June 16, 2011, upon MMS &C by Refinamirg of Councilmembers Sitarz and Naples. Upon individual roll call vote Bonds at a La ar Councilmembers Diaz, Krum Naples and Sitarz voted in the Interest Ratd' Affirmative, Councilmembers Bellino and DiMascio were noted Absent. First Rexiiig ORDINANCE #11 -12 "REFUNDING BOND ORDINANCE, PROVIDING FOR THE REFINANCING OF BONDS AT A LOWER INTEREST RATE" Mayor Reiam Mayor Reiman explained that these were bonds that were issued in 1998, possibly up to current and will allow the city lowering the interest rate on pre- existing debt with the savings of about $150,000.00. 1 44 .•_ Public lbaLirg- The Clerk stated that Ordinance #11 -9 was introduced and adopted on First Reading at a meeting of the Borough Council of the Borough of Carteret held on April 28, 2011. It was duly published in The Home News Tribune on May 3, 2011 with notice that it will be considered for final passage after Public Hearing to be held on May 19, 2011 at approximately 6:00 P.M. The Ordinance was posted on the bulletin board and copies were made available to the general public and according to law, she read the Ordinance by title. 2. Nay 19, 22011 Upon MMS &C by Councilmembers Diaz and Krum and unanimous affirmative vote of the four (4) Councilmembers present, the Mayor declared the Public Hearing to be opened. There were no comments from the public. There being no further comments or objections to the Ordinance, the Mayor declared the Public Hearing to be closed upon MMS &C by Councilmembers Diaz and Naples and unanimous affirmative vote of the four (4) Councilmembers present. Upon MMS &C by Councilmembers Diaz and Krum ORDINANCE #11 -09 "AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR IMPROVEMENTS FOR THE BOROUGH OF CARTERET, COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX, NEW JERSEY, APPROPRIATING $1,492,000 FROM THE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT FUND, FUND BALANCE AND RESERVES FOR THE 2011 VARIOUS CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS OF THE BOROUGH FOR THE COST THEREFOR" was finally Adopted. Upon individual roll call vote Councilmembers Diaz, Krum, Naples and Sitarz voted in the Affirmative. Councilmembers Bellino And DiMascio were noted Absent. APPROVED AND ADOPTED: MAY 19, 2011 INTRODUCED: APRIL 28, 2011 Advertised as Adopted on First Reading with Notice of Public Hearing: MAY 3, 2011 Hearing Held: MAY 19, 2011 Approved By: MAYOR DANIEL J. REIMAN Advertised as Finally Adopted: MAY 29, 2011 .:. N WY 19, 2011 CRDEWU #11 -10 'Vacatirg a Portion The Clerk stated that Ordinance #11 -10 was introduced and of Cell Drive adopted on First Reading at a meeting of the Borough Council of in tYe EOm4 the Borough of Carteret held on April 28, 2011. It was duly of Carteret published in The Home News Tribune on May 3, 2011 with notice that it will be considered for final passage after Public Hearing to be held on May 19, 2011 at approximately 6:00 P.M. The Ordinance was posted on the bulletin board and copies were made available to the general public and according to law, she read the Ordinance by title. Public Ihazzrg Upon MMS &C by Councilmembers Diaz and Naples and unanimous affirmative vote of the four (4) Councilmembers present, the Mayor declared the Public Hearing to be opened. rayor 1 u- ' Mayor Reiman then asked Borough Attorney Robert Bergen to give the Council and the public some information with regard to this. Berge ey Attorney Bergen said he had some residents from Germak Drive call and ask him some questions about this proposed ordinance and mentioned that some may be in the audience. He explained he had the engineer draft a map showing the portion of Germak Drive was originally designed for the cul -de -sac and subdivision that never was created. The engineer proposed to vacate this unapproved portion of Germak Drive, of which, a small paved portion provides access to one property and when the road gets vacated the property goes to the property owners. [mayor Reittcu� Mayor Reiman said that would be to the extent that they want the property and he explained that under the law you cannot sell a street and he spoke briefly on this. KMn U&m Kevin Urban questioned if the property owner declines, what would happen. 0 [ kY 19, 2011 Kevin Urtmn Cont: Mayor Reiman said if the property owners don't want it then the the commercial property owners could be forced to take it. They could not force the residential property owner to take it. Kevin Urban asked if there would be a way to have a communal garden there. Mayor Reiman said not in that area because it is landlocked property and we would have to allow access to private property to get there and we cannot allow that. Kevin Urban asked if that would be added to the tax base. Mayor Reiman explained it would be added to the value of the property. George Strangos questioned what would happen to the other half Ceo ge StraWs of the road. Mayor Reiman explained as we stand the road is divided down the middle and so this 50% goes to the homeowner of this side and this 50% goes to the property owner on that side. George Strangos questioned if a road would be put there. Mayor Reiman said they will ensure that there is not road back there, that it will be used as a buffer zone. He said the idea is not to have cars or an access. George Strangos said in the late 1950's or 1960's they built Cornell Estates and all of Germak Drive was a light traffic street since 1970. Mayor Reiman explained that there will be no roadway or parking lot back there and said when they vacate the street it will stay as a buffer zone. 5 MAY 19, 2011 Al !•- ,� i . .•.=1 Mrs. Strangos questioned if they will be forced to put up a fence. Mayor Reiman said they would and also additional buffers such as trees, etc. Mrs. Strangos questioned what access the people living in the apartments there would have. Mayor Reiman said that is on Pekola Terrace explaining they currently have access to one (1) Germak Drive. He explained they originally would liked to have vacated the entire property but you cannot do that, you have to maintain a road access. Mrs. Strangos questioned if the person did not want the property. Mayor Reiman explained they would only get it if they want it , no one is forced to take it but it does add value to the property. He went on to say if they do not want it then it would go to the commercial portion of the property and they would have to use it as a buffer zone not for building. Mrs Strangos asked if they would be forced to put up a fence. Mayor Reiman explained as part of a site plan, only for future projects or improvements, but just for vacating the property they cannot force them to put up a fence. Lou Mtgieri Lou Mangieri questioned how much of the road between Pekola and orchard will be used. Mayor Reiman explained they will be vacating the center line portion and went on to explain the map. He said once it is vacated it will become private property. I MY 1% 2011 CRDEWKE #11 -10 Mr. McHale from Pinho Avenue spoke. He said years ago he spoke Cbnt: to Mayor Sica about vacating it. He asked about moving the fence W. McHale and about his taxes going up. Mayor Reiman explained a developer would be required to put up a fence and said the property is not accessed for improvements so the taxes would go up pennies. Joe Agliata said people are concerned it will become a traffic road. Joe AgLiata Mayor Reiman said once it is vacated as a road it cannot be used. Steve Pinchak said over by Medwick Park there is a good mile of Steve Pincl fencing that he does not know what they will be doing with and asked if we could approach them. Mayor Reiman explained the chain link fencing is rented. A lady from 62 Pinho spoke. She questioned a twenty -four (24) 6y 62 PJir$o Ave. Ave. gas station. I Mayor Reiman explained there is nothing for that in front of the board but said there is an application for a gas station by the old Such's site. The lady questioned if that would be twenty -four (24) hours. Mayor Reiman said it is before the Planning Board. James Failace spoke and said for the record that he was on the Jams Failace Council at the time of Mayor Sica in reference to the vacating of Germak Drive and the Council at the time did not want to vacate it. George Strangos asked if Pekola and Orchard will be light traffic. George Straws 7 MY 1% 2011 Mayor Reiman said it will remain light traffic. George Strangos said he maintains his property well and asked who will maintain the rest. Mayor Sica said once it is vacated, the property owners are required to maintain it. Kevin lhten Kevin Urban questioned if the whole area becomes redeveloped is there a possibility that the area would become a parking area. Mayor Sica explained it is a neighborhood concern and they would have to go before the Planning Board . The idea is for it to become a buffer zone. Public Portion Upon MMS &C by Councilmembers Sitarz and Krum and Closed unanimous affirmative vote of the four (4) Councilmembers present the public portion of the meeting was closed. Attorney Attorney Bergen commented he wanted to be sure that it is clear Bergen that we are voting on the amended portion of the ordinance, only the unapproved portion of this road. Upon MMS &C by Councilmembers Naples and Diaz ORDINANCE #11 -10 "VACATING A PORTION OF GERMAK DRIVE" A130PHD was Adopted. Upon individual roll call vote Councilmembers Diaz, Krum, Naples and Sitarz voted in the Affirmative. Councilmembers Bellino and DiMascio were noted Absent. 0 MY 19, 2011 APPROVED AND ADOPTED: _ MAY 19, 2011 INTRODUCED: APRIL 28, 2011 Advertised as Adopted on First Reading with Notice of Public Hearing: MAY 3, 2011 Hearing Held: MAY 19, 2011 Approved By: MAYOR DANIEL J. REIMAN Advertised as Finally Adopted: _ MAY 29, 2011 Mayor Reiman said before the public portion starts they will be adding on two (2) resolutions, #11 -100, which has to do with the business districts and striping plan. He said it is an award of bid to Street Edge Striping LLC for $23,305.00. He then said the other resolution would be 11 -101 and referred it to Attorney Bergen. Attorney Bergen said it is authorizing the attorney to negotiate an easement agreement with BP Amoco for a roadway and easement crossing. Upon MMS &C by Councilmembers Sitarz and Diaz and unanimous affirmative vote of the four Councilmembers present, the Public Portion on Resolutions /Agenda Items and New Business was opened to the public. Mayor Reiman asked if there were any questions on Resolutions #11 -96 thru 111 -101. Steve Pinchak asked if work was started on the fishing pier. Mayor Reiman said the pier is currently under construction and the plan calls for a seven hundred (700) foot extension. He explained there is a building moratorium imposed by the Department of Environmental Protection and the Army Core of Engineers so you cannot do any dredging or pile driving from December 31 thru July 1St Mayor Reirim, Ac33i tion of R -- olutions #11 -100 & #11 -101" Riblic Portion on Resolutions /Agenda Itans ad Ibw Business Steve Pird - ok 9 MAY 1% 20]1 Steve Pirr_ & Cont: Steve Pinchak questioned if there were any plans to make the boat ramp larger. Mayor Reiman explained that our Port Authority has evaluated the boat ramp and we would like to make improvements to it and designs are being done currently. He said at the point in time that project was built that was the only thing that the DEP would approve. They would not approve a solid concrete driveway or ramp, only concrete blocks, so we are sometimes stuck with whatever the law and the regulations are at the time. He said the Port Authority is evaluating that and hopefully they will be able to make some improvements to that. Kevin Urban Kevin Urban then spoke. He questioned what the rate was for the refunding of the Bond Ordinance. %%yor Reiman Mayor Reiman explained that some of the ordinances right now are around 4 1/2 % and we are hoping to get around 3% or 3 1/4 %, but, like anything it is what the market is at the time and the bond market fluctuates every day and so our Bond Counsel are going to put it out on the market but they are not going to sell it unless there is a savings of about $150,000.00. He said this is an ordinance providing that we adopt, commenting we probably re- adopted the ordinance, then it goes down to the Local Finance Board which is part of the Department of Community Affairs and the DCA oversees the Bond Sale to ensure that there is a savings and the savings has to be equal to a point or a point and a half and with all the minimal costs that are associated with this, the net savings is between $100,000.00 and $150,000.00 and it doesn't exceed or extend the life of the bond. It is the same as if you were re- financing your home but you are not adding an extra fifteen (15) years, it is the same number of years. Kevin Urban then questioned what the plans were for the lighting on lower Roosevelt Avenue. 10 IAy 19, 2011 Kevin Urban cant: Mayor Reiman explained that the plans for the lighting were adopted eight (8) or nine (9) years ago, they are the same plans that were adopted as part of the Re- Development Zone and part of the Redevelopment Plan. He said PSE &G is obligated to install those lights, commenting as you can see a lot of the concrete has been re -cut, the concrete bases have been put in, the conduit has been run and PSE &G has to come in and pull the electricity and pull the wires and install the poles. He said we were hoping to have them do that last year and said we can't do it and are not allowed, under the law, to have a private contractor do it, so it falls into the PSE &G schedule. He said we are being told it should be completed by early summer or this winter or fall. Kevin Urban questioned if there were plans for a communal garden. Mayor Reiman said the Library advertised to host a Garden Club or a Flower Club and there was little turnout. He went on to say there are portions of city owned property to the extent that we can promote that and explained he had no problem with that but it cannot be put where it is landlocked where we would be trespassing on private property. Kevin Urban volunteered his services. George Strangos questioned the update on the paving for West George Strangos Carteret, Mayor Reiman said the County was supposed to pave it last year, which was part of the federal stimulus money that had come down and he commented that quite honestly we are happy they did not pave it last year because the same contractor that did the paving on Port Reading Avenue in the Woodbridge Proper and you can see a separation between the two (2) seams. He said we 11 W 19, 2011 are told it should be done by the summer of this year and said the money and contract is in place. Lou [M Lou Mangled questioned when the Health and Wellness Center will open. He also spoke on his concerns about the parking. Mayor Reiman said a letter has been sent out but the police have not enforced anything yet. Jim F a;lxa Jim Failace spoke. He commented on his picture hanging on the wall and said he would pay to have it replaced. Jeme WJIale Jerome McHale questioned if coming on to the bridge from Minue if we could have no right on the red from 6:00 A.M to 6:00 P.M. Mayor Reiman explained it has to do with the county road and needs DOT approval but he will aske CME and John DuPont to take a look at it. He said there is an existing traffic study because there is an agreement to expand that entire intersection and explained the concern with this is it would stage traffic on Minue. Jerome McHale questioned if when coming down the bridge signs could be put up for different turns. Mayor Reiman said the problem is we used to have the road striped and under current conditions it no longer meets the qualifications to have a dedicated right or left so if it were striped it would have to be one lane and that is the problem. He said he will have the engineer and CME look into it. Joyce Wiza Joyce Wiza spoke about a handicapped parking application she had submitted on April 15, 2011. She said they should expedite the process. 12 NAY 19, 2011 Mayor Reiman said it had been approved and they can make sure Joyce Wiza.Cont: the sign and striping get expedited and the resolution can be done at a later time. Joyce Wiza also commented that there are only two (2) or three (3) handicapped parking spaces at the marina and said at the concerts vendors have parked in them. Mayor Reiman said only the handicapped can park there and he will have Captain McFadden look into it. Al Walsh spoke in regards to the Police Department having the AL tlai -t tools to do their job. He said last week on N. Whittier Street there were gangs of young people and adults fighting and calling people names and destroying property. Mayor Reiman asked Mr. Walsh if he has witnessed this. Mr. Walsh said he had and he had called the police and commented that they did a great job. Mayor Reiman asked Mr. Walsh what constitutes a mob. Mr. Walsh said about thirty (30) or forty (40) people. He said one time was after a game and another time at 6:00 or 7:00 P.M. and another night there was a group of adults. He said he did not understand, there is a problem with this town with gangs and drugs and we should be a little tougher. Mayor Reiman told Mr. Walsh that he can give the Police Department any information he has and informed him there is an anonymous hot line that you can leave a message on. He also commented he feels things should be made tougher. He then asked Mr. Walsh what tools he feels the police do not have. Mr. Walsh said the authority to say to take the people on. 13 MY 19, 2011 Al %1sh cunt: Mayor Reiman said it is the exact opposite now commenting the only complaints we get from the Police Department are that the officers feels they are getting too much responsibility. He said they have better and more cars and the best equipment and training and we have been able to bring in a significant number of grants to help the department. Al Walsh asked about having enough well- trained police officers. Mayor Reiman said the department fluctuates based upon retirements and we far exceed what is recommended by the FBI in terms of the number of officers per population but he would like to add more. Al Walsh said there should be more police presence on the streets and should have more than two (2) cars on at night. Mayor Reiman said we have a minimum staffing which far exceeds two (2) cars per night. Public Portion Upon MMS &C by Councilmembers Diaz and Sitarz and unanimous Closed affirmative vote of the four (4) Councilmembers present, the public portion of this meeting was closed. Agenda Upon MMS &C by Councilmembers Naples and Sitarz the Agenda Arm1ed to was amended to include a resolution approving a Handicapped hr -h.de Resolution #11 -102 Parking Space for Raymond Wiza. Upon individual roll call vote Councilmembers Diaz, Krum, Naples and Sitarz voted in the Affirmative. Councilmembers Bellino and DiMascio were noted Absent. 14 MY 19, 2011 Mayor Reiman said when the certification is received by the Mayor )?P RM Clerk's Office from the Engineering Department Public Works can go and install the sign. Upon MMS &C by Councilmembers Diaz and Sitarz, all bills PAY4NrCFB11I appearing on the prepared list, properly audited and signed, were ordered to be paid. Upon individual roll call vote Councilmembers Diaz, Krum, Naples and Sitarz voted in the Affirmative. Councilmembers Bellino and DiMascio were noted Absent. Mayor Reiman then asked for a motion on the Consent Agenda. 01CM Agl�M RESOLUTIONS #11 -96 thru #11 -102 were introduced by the Mayor and referred to the Council for action. Upon MMS &C by Councilmembers Diaz and Krum 15 RESTXJJITCN #11 -% RESOLUTION #11 -96 "Auttnrizirg an FUS "AUTHORIZING AN EUS CONTRACT WITH MARINE SAFETY Contract with Marine CONSULTANTS, INC.- MARINA MARINE RISK ANALYSIS" Leh' Cm�ultants, hr—.—Hiring Marine Risk Analysis" RESOLUTION #11 -97 "AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF A TAXICAB DRIVER'S LICENSE — RE9=CN #11 -97 THOMAS LIPNICKI" Arrthorizirg the Issuarre of a Taxicab Driver's License RESOLUTION #11 -98 Ila= arnidd" "DIRECTING THE ISSUANCE OF A RAFFLE LICENSE TO ST. JOSEPH RESOLMCN #11-98 R.C. CHURCH" I biroctirg ale Issuance of a Raffle RESOLUTION #11 -99 Licam to St. Joseph "APPLICATION TO THE LOCAL FINANCE BOARD IN REGARDS TO R.C. Oinrh REFINANCING OF BONDS" RES=OV #11 -99 AWlication to d Local Finance Board in Regards to Refirrancirg of Bars" 15 MAY 19, 2011 RESTI aN #11 -10D "Auftrizirg Bid for AJAnWOn Business RESOLUTION #11 -100 District Parldrg "AWARDING BID FOR DOWNTOWN BUSINESS DISTRICT PARKING hprwereit- IM PROVE MENT- MISCELLANEOUS TRAFFIC STRIPING PROJECT" Miscel]anoaB Taffic Stripirg ft9ject RESOLUi`iCN #11-101 "Authorizing #11 -101 "Authorizing Negotiations with BP Amoco" Need Reso. R `CN #11 -102 RESOLUTION #11 -102 '�tirg Hardicappecl "CREATING HANDICAPPED PARKING SPACE FOR 31 TAYLOR Parking Space for 31 AVENUE" , 1*r Averxie f PDOPIID were Adopted. Upon individual roll call vote Councilmembers Diaz, Krum, Naples and Sitarz voted in the Affirmative. Councilmembers Bellino and DiMascio were noted Absent. REFC10 REPORTS: Inspection of Buildings —April 2011. Upon MMS &C by Councilmembers Diaz and Naples and unanimous affirmative vote of the four (4) Councilmember present, all Reports were ordered to be received and placed on file. 014 MESS BUILDINGS & GROUNDS: Committee Chairperson Naples reported the space above the third flood is being reconfigured for additional storage, it was dead space and it is being done in -house and is a substantial cost savings and the department is also performing routine maintenance and planting and will be assisting I I &N 19, 2011 the Parks Department and 01+K EiS Cant: p preparing it for Memorial Day activities. FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION: Committee Chairperson Diaz reported tax collection period ended on the 10` of May and and the sewer collection ended on the 15 He said delinquent notices have been prepared by the office and were sent out yesterday. Progress. FIRE & DOMESTIC PREPAREDNESS: Committee Chairperson Krum reported he recognized Tommy App who was the recipient for all the fine work he does in the grammar school with the kids on fire safety. PARKS, RECREATION & PUBLIC PROPERTY: Mayor Reiman reported Committee Chairperson Bellino was absent and progress in the department. POLICE: Committee Chairperson Sitarz reported three (3) new hybrid police cars were ordered and another three (3) will be ordered at a later date. Progress. PUBLIC WORKS: Mayor Reiman reported Committee Chairperson DiMascio absent and progress in the department. BOARD OF EDUCATION: Committee Chairperson Naples reported on Friday, May 6th she attended a ten (10) day fundraiser at the High School sponsored by the Middle School and it was for the children from the community that lost their mom and $4000.00 was raised and it was a job well done. She said High School Graduation is June 23` and Middle School promotion is June 22 She went on to say she took a quick look at the High School Proficiency Exam and it appears that our students have improved and done quite well and said the final numbers will be out shortly. She said we received the final certification from the district performance review, where Carteret received a score of 17 WY 19, 2011 94.4 in the state and is good for a period of three years and is certified by the acting commissioner. Fnoa, MCN Proclamation — Click It or Ticket, May 23 —June 5, 2011. "Q.ck it or nom �� 2011 The Mayor read the following proclamation into the record: e WHEREAS, there were 554 motor vehicles fatalities in New Jersey 2010; and WHEREAS, a large percentage of the motor vehicle occupants killed in traffic crashes were not wearing a seat belt; and WHEREAS, use of a seat belt remains the most effective way to avoid death or serious bodily injury in a motor vehicle crash; and WHEREAS, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that 135,000 lives were saved by safety belt usage nationally between 1975 -2000; and WHEREAS, the State of New Jersey will participate in the nationwide Click It or Ticket seat belt mobilization from May 23 -June 5, 2010 in an effort to raise awareness and increase seat belt usage through a combination of enforcement and education; and WHEREAS, the Division of Highway Traffic Safety has set a goal of increasing the seat belt usage rate in the state from the current level 93.73% to 100 %; and WHEREAS, a further increase in seat belt usage in New Jersey will save lives in our roadway; THEREFORE, be it resolved that the Borough of Carteret and the Carteret Police Department declared its support for the Click It or Ticket seat belt mobilization both locally and nationally from MAY 23 —JUNE 5 2011 And pledges to increase awareness of the mobilization and the benefits of seat belt use. k0 MW 19, 2011 After no further discussion. Upon MMS &C by Councilmembers ADJaHM Sitarz and Naples and unanimous affirmative vote of the four (4) Councilmembers present, the meeting was Adjourned at approximately 6:55 P.M. R�ectf N s ubmi d, 'KATHLEEN M. BARNEY, MMC U Municipal Clerk =; �7 _�