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HomeMy Public PortalAbout02-16-12cFebruary 16, 2012 A Regular Meeting of the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Regular Carteret was called to order by Mayor Daniel J. Reiman at 6:00 Meeting P.M., Thursday, February 16, 2012, Council Chambers, 61 Cooke Avenue, Carteret, New Jersey. Present Upon individual roll call the following were noted present: Councilmember Jorge Diaz Dennis DiMascio Randy Krum William Sitarz Also noted present was Borough Attorney, Robert J. Bergen Also noted Present and Municipal Clerk, Kathleen M. Barney, MMC. Noted absent was Council members Vincent Bellino and Susan Noted Absent Naples, The meeting was opened with a minute of Silent Prayer and the Silent Prayer/ Pledge of 10legiance led by Mayor Daniel J. Reiman. Pledge of Allegiance The Clerk stated that on January 9, 2012, in full compliance Statement of Meeting with the Open Public Meetings Act, a notice of tonight of Notice tonight's meeting was sent to The Home News Tribune, The Star Ledger and posted on the bulletin board. Notice was also published on January 10, 2012. 1. February 16, 2012 Upon MMS &C, by Councilmembers Diaz and Krum and unanimous affirmative vote of the four (4) members present, the minutes of February 2, 2012 were approved as transcribed and engrossed by the Clerk. Open Upon MMS &C, by Councilmembers Sitarz and Krum and unanimous affirmative vote of the four (4) members present, the meeting was opened for Public Hearing on the Green Acres Application, .Arthur Kill Waterfront. Mayor Reiman Re: Green Acres Mayor Reiman showed the Councilmem?ers a ma;: of Application, Watcrfront iWoi)eri_v. This i<_ the parcel we're looiini- iri Arthur Kill acquire iron, oolont. We are looking to acquire the three (3) Waterfront. acres of Waterfront. property to construct additional parking and other amenities along the waterfront The application process cost is one million five hundred and ninety-five thousand dollars that the are requesting from the DEP. As you know this is an Urban ... (inaudible) ... Community and we are eligible for 75% of that in a grant. So, typically we can apply for dollars, we either get 9.00 %.of the money of the grant from the DEP. The worse funding we could get is 75% as a grant and 25% as a zero interest loan. The Mayor pointed out on the map the five (5) acres we already own and the additional three (3) acres. The five (5) acres have no restrictions on it so it's riot under RCSI. It's not preserved open space. We can build waterfront amenities. We could eventually, if we get funding from the state or the feds, or other county agencies, we could do other park amenities down there. We also have a thirty (30) foot wide buffer zone... (inaudible)... which will be part of the river walk. So this will provide for additional waterfront improvement for our existing park. It'll include parking and other amenities to be utilized as part of the waterfront revitalization. The anticipated cost is $1,595,000.00. This is an acquisition grant only. We're applying for dollars to help the R1 Febniary 16, 2012 facility separately from the DEP and also from Middlesex County Open Space. The Mayor asked if there were any questions from the Governing Body. Mayor Reiman explained that there are two (2) types of funding available annually from the DEP. There's acquisition dollars and there's improvement dollars. This is an acquisition grant that we're applying for. As he mentioned, 75% of it would be a grant and 25% would be a zero interest loan. The Mayor asked if there were any question from the public. Continued Councilman Sitarz asked if this was in conjunction with the `ferry terminal. Mayor Reiman said that it is separate and apart from the ferry terminal. This would provide the need parking for the future marina, the pier extension as well as the river walk that we are looking to put down along the river. The intent is to eventually include south and north of our existing waterfront park which is seventeen (17) acres, perhaps a mile long river walk along the entire stretch of the Arthur Kill but nothing to do with the ferry per se, geared towards the future marina, geared towards the existing traffic that we have down there for residents using the park. As you know, for Judy 3rd, we typically get between 10,000 and 12,000 residents down at the waterfront park. For our concerts we can have as many as, between 100 and 1,000 people, depending on the genre of the music. The Mayor asked if there were any questions from the public. Steven Pinchak asked if the 75% Grant was free and clear. 3. Febnury 16, 2012 Mayor Reiman said free and clear. It wouldn't have to be paid back. The other 25% (inaudible)... zero interest over 30 years. Under the Green Acres Program as an urban type community with more than 5,000 people per square mile,... (inaudible)... type of dollars. Normally, it's 50% grant, 50% loan but we take advantage of the urban designation so we can get more grant money ...(inaudible)... Mayor Reiman asked if there were any other questions from the Council. Closed Upon MMS &C, by Councilmembers Diaz and Sitarz and unanimous affirmative vote of the four (4) members present, the Public Hearing was closed. Mayor Reiman asked that Resolution #12 -37 be voted on separately. Upon MMS &C by Councilmembers Diaz and Sitarz Resolution #12 -37 RESOLUTION #12 -37 � ro eo M pt. "STATE OF NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION Protection - Green Peres Ert3blitg GREEN ACRES ENABLING RESOLUTION" Resolution was adopted. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers Diaz, DiMascio, Krum and Sitarz voted in the affirmative. Councilmembers Bellino and Naples were noted absent. 4 February 16, 2012 MEETING OPENED Resolution PUBLIC INPUT ON ALL RESOLUTIONS/ AGENDA ITEMS /NEW BUSINESS A copy of each Resolution was placed on the table for public Meeting review prior to the meeting in accordance to the Rules of Opened _ Council and upon MNIS &C by Councilmembers Sitarz and Diaz and unanimous affirmative vote .of the four (4) members present, the meeting was opened for public input on all Resolutions /Agenda items and new business. MEETING CLOSED Meeting Closed There being no comments or objections to the Resolutions /Agenda items or new business, upon MNIS &C, by Councilmembers Diaz and Sitarz and unanimous affirmative vote of the four (4) members present, the public discussion portion of the meeting was closed. CONSENT AGENDA Consent Agenda Upon NIMS &C, by Councilmembers Krum and Sitarz, Resolutions #12 -31 through 412 -36 were adopted. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers Diaz, DiMascio, Krum and Sitarz voted in the affirmative. Councilmembers Bellino and Naples were noted absent. S. February 1 2012 Resolution 712 -31 Issuance of Various Raffle Licenses Resolution #12 -32 Issuance of new Taxicab Driver License Resolution #12 -33 Green Acres Enabling Resolution (,iaterfront Resolution #12 -34 Base Repair Program S. Brothers, Inc. Resolution #12 -35 Professional Services C111E Associates [4aterfront Cove Marina Resolution #12 -36 , luthorizing Bids Various Maintenence )f Abandoned Properties RESOLUTION #12 -31 "DIRECTING THE ISSUANCE OF VARIOUS RAFFLE LICENSE TO CATHOLIC DAUGHTERS OF AMERICAS, COURT FIDELIS 636, ST. JOSEPH RONIAN CATHOLIC CHURCH AND ST. JOSEPH HAS" RESOLUTION #12 -32 "AUTHORIZING ISSUANCE OF NEWTAXICAB DRIVER LICENSES FOR THE 2012 -2013 LICENSE TERM" RESOLUTION #12 -33 "STATE OF NEW JERSEY DEPARTNIENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION GREEN ACRES ENABLING RESOLUTION" "RESOLUTION #12 -34 "APPROVING CHANGE ORDER #2, 2011 BASE REPAIR PROGRAM -S. BROTHERS, INC." RESOLUTION #12 -35 "RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A PROESSIONAL SERVICES CONTRACT FOR ENGINEEERING SERVICES WITH CNIE ASSOCIATES WATERFRONT COVE MARINA WATER & SEWER FEE ESTIMATE" RESOLUTION #12 -36 "AUTHORIZING BIDS FOR VARIOUS MOWING, TRIMMING, ON -CALL PROPERTY MAINTENANCE AND WEED CONTROL PROGRAM OF ABANDONED PROPERTIES WITHIN THE BOROUGH OF CARTERET" The Nlayor asked if there (,vere any questions from the governing body. 6• February 16, 2012 Councilmember Krum asked about the Resolution 412 -36. He Comments said he thought that they went out to bid and they already had someone. Is there a problem? Mayor Reiman replied that it is bid annually. What happens is that we have to bid it every year. What happened last year is typically we get quotes and there is a certain point where you have to have to go out to bid. Once it exceeds that we go out to bid on it so now its, an annual program. They came in very competitive last year and considerably lower than what we were under contract with the prior company. PAYMENT OF BILLS Payment of Bills Upon MMS &C, by Councilmembers Diaz and Sitarz, allbills appearing on the bill list, properly audited and signed, were ordered to be paid. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers Diaz, Divlascio, Krum and Sitarz voted in the affirmative. Councilmembers Bellino and Naples were noted absent. APPLICATIONS Carteret Volunteer Fire Co. #1 - New Members, Keith O'Briwin, Conrad Stahlhut and Jason Makwinski. Fire Commissioner Krum acknowledged Wayne Makwinski is attending the meeting. He thanked him for coming to the meeting. I, Chief O'Connor and Wayne interviewed and the last two gentlemen, Mr. Potter and Mr. Singh. There are three (3) outstanding candidates. He aiong with Wayne and the chief gave them thumbs up to these three gentlemen. Applications 7 February 16, 2012 APPLICATIONS Applications Upon MMS &C, by Councilmembers Krum and Sitarz and unanimous affirmative vote of the four (4) members present, the three new volunteer firefighters were approved. Reports REPORTS The Clerk stated that she was in receipt of the following reports: 1. Inspection of Buildings -January 2012 2. Office for the Disabled - 2011 Progress Report Upon MMS &C, by Councilmember Diaz and Sitarz and unanimous affirmative vote of the four (4) members present, all reports were ordered to be received and placed on file. Committees Committees - Buildings & Grounds - Committeewoman Naples was noted absent. Progress in her Department. Finance & Administration - Committeeman Diaz said the tax collection period ended on the 10 11, of February. We will have late notices mailed out this week. We have been notified by the State that the PTR Program and the property tax reimbursement program for seniors whose income is below $80,000.00 is now available. The applications can be picked up at the Finance Office to be 0 February 16, 2012 certified and mailed to the State. The Sewer Collection Period will begin on the fifteenth of March with the bills being prepared now and sent out in early March. Other than that continued Progress. FINANCE AND DOMES'T'IC PREPAREDNESS - Committies (Continued) Committeeman Krum reported that the Fire Department went to Minue School this past week for Fire Safety Education for all the students. Also the Fire Department met with the Carteret Rotary Club who donated stuffed animals to our EMS Division, to the EMT's and to the firefighters to give to young children so that it can make their emergency and transportation to a hospital a little bit nicer. Also, due to the growing use of solar panels, next week the Fire Department will have an instructor from PSE &G to train the firefighters on the safety procedures regarding solar panels and the dangers they can pose during fire. Progress was reported. PARKS, RECREATION & PUBLIC PROPERTY - Committeeman Bellino was noted absent. Progress in that Department. POLICE - Committeeman Sitarz reported that they finally got most of the problems straightened out with the new Police cars. One is on the road and two more will be by the end of the weekend and the final three will be going to Piscataway to be lettered. Progress. 0 February 16, 2012 Mayor Reiman said he was told that Ford is no longer going to make the Escape Hybrid. They are coming out with a new model so we'll have to take a look and see what we'll be picking from. Councilmember Sitarz said that he was going to talk to the Mayor about the Dodge model coming out. It has front wheel drive. Mayor Reiman said yes. As a policy, the last couple of years have been Hybrids. As typical in the Emergency Services Department there was a little apprehension but once the guys got in there and usedit, it has plenty of pickup and plenty of speed, zero to sixty in five seconds. Quite honestly there is nowhere in town that they will be going sixty miles an hour. It Committees Continued is a significant energy saver. It is almost 25 to 40 miles to the gallon. If they stay 25 and under it doesn't even use any gasoline. So we realize a significant savings in those hybrids including the fact of the LED Lights. Mayor said he really wants to stay with Hybrids whatever our future cars are. Perhaps in your free time, Commissioner you can visit some of the .... Commissioner Sitarz said he thinks Dodge cane out with a mid -sized one they call it the "Journey ". It has 40 miles to the gallon. Mayor Reiman said let's take a ride and see what is being used. Councilmember Sitarz said that Captain McFadden has been out sick so when lie comes back we'll sit down and talk to him. PUBLIC WORKS Committeeman DiMascio reported the other day he noticed that the street light by Race Star Gas Station has a broken 10 February 16, 2012 globe. He said PSE &G was notified. The street sign by Elm Street & Taylor Avenue has been stolen for the third time. You need a special Alan wrench to do it. He went to the Borough Garage and spoke to John Riley and he showed him and it is a special tool with a hole in the middle. So, they would need this special wrench to get it off. Mayor Reiman said those signs are made out of aluminum. Perhaps we should change the make- up of the sign. They are stealing them unless someone is just collecting them. Committeeman DiMascio said a new sign was just put up. The guide rail on Roosevelt Avenue, off the exit ramp of the turnpike has been damaged for a while now. Mayor Reiman said the County and the turnpike are fighting over who is responsible for that as well as the lights. We just Discussion recently sent both of them a letter putting them on notice. The one light coming out of the CVS Pharmacy, Plaza 12 is hanging and on the other side there is a light that is slightly damaged as well as the guide rail which a truck hit. The responsibility is one of those agencies..... Councilmember Di Mascio said Mr. DuPont was supposed to have a meeting with the turnpike today. Mayor Reiman said he knew there was a meeting today but he didn't know if the turnpike came in or not. We had sent a letter threatening litigation but we have no standing to do that. They have to pretty much come and fix it. Councilmember DiMascio said he was at the Borough Garage last week and twenty (21) generators were delivered. They were discussing how to store them. I said maybe we can get some kind of container that can be kept outside. We can have three keys made; give one to John Riley, Pat DeBella and John 11. February 16, 2012 Wyatt of OEM. This way One of them has to be there and they will have to sign out. Mayor Reiman said we talked about having (inaudible) just to let the Council know, the generators were bought so we can have a generator, fire hose style pumps, sewage pumps and extra generator power on almost every Public Works, Parks and DPW and OEM truck. During the hurricane we saw in August and September that was a once in a hundred year storm, and we saw that there was a need because we had the Fire Department pumping out basements and the Sewer Department out there. We could have had more man power out there if we had more equipment. You couldn't bring it out with buckets to the extent that we need it in the future or for other events around town. Literally, every truck will be able to assist Discussion and every employee will be able to assist residents. Continued Councilmember DiMascio said we talked about putting on the truck space but they, would be destroyed in the weather. He said he spoke to Mr. DuPont and they had the containers delivered today. We only got a few keys because we don't want them all over town. The big thing was the grant money we bought them with. It didn't cost the tax payers anything. The guys are working hard down there. We beat a snow storm last week and they are talking about a storm for the weekend. Progress. Councilmember Sitarz said they are working on the flood gates and the one that is furthest' away and one of the arms is broken. It wasn't working properly and they could not get it open. Only the center one was opening. Mayor Reiman said those are the flood gate contracts that we awarded to take a look at the flood gates to ensure that our storm water system isn't inundated at the point that the Arthur Kill rises. You recall that there was some damage done to those flood gates that was not preventable from the last hurricane. Hppefully we can make sure that it is in great shape 12 February 16, 2012 and we won't have any problems in the future. One of the issues is if the flood gates open we will potentially have Kill water or other storm water coming back into the storm water system. BOARD OF EDUCATION LIASION - Committeewoman Naples is noted absent. Progress in that Department. Discussion Con't There being no further business or discussion, upon MMS &C, Adjourned by Councilmembers Sitarz and Krum and unanimous affirmative vote of the four (4) members present, the meeting was adjourned at approximately 6:20 P.M. Respectfully submitted, KATHLEEN M. BARNH MMC Municipal Clerk 13 February 16, 2012 Council Meeting 14.