HomeMy Public PortalAbout2003/03/27 MARCH 27, 2003
An Agenda Meeting of the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Agenda
Carteret preceding the Regular Meeting of April 16, 2003 was held on Meeting
March 27, 2003, 7:00 P.M., Municipal Court/Police Facility, 230
Roosevelt Avenue, Carteret, New Jersey.
The following were noted present: Noted Present
Mayor Daniel J. Reiman
Councilmembers: Randy Krum
Susan Naples
" Frank Parisi
" Ronald Rios
" Joseph Sitarz
" Brian Sosnowski
Also noted present was the Borough Attorney Robert Bergen, Esq.
Statement of Meeting Notice: Mailed to the Home New Tribune, The Statement of
Star Ledger and posted on the bulletin board on March 21, 2003. Meeting Notice
Minutes for Approval: March 6 & 18, 2003. Minutes for
Approval
Mayor Reiman stated they would have to wait for the Borough
Engineer and to discuss the Green Acres Acquisition for 2003, Public
Hearing.
Proclamation: Addiction Awareness Month - April 2003. Proclamation
ORDiNANCE - First Reading - Ordinance
1st Reading
1. #03-12 Authorizing Lease Agreement with Middlesex County
Improvement Authority Relating to the Issuance of County-
Guaranteed Capital Equipment Lease Revenue Bonds.
Public Hearing - Public Hearing
1. #03-11 Amending Salary Ordinance #71-9, Re: Afscme Local
#2291.
Resolutions: Resolutions
1. Directing the Issuance of Various Raffle Licenses.
2. Amending to 2003 Temporary Budget.
3. Authorizing Various Contractors to Perform Rehabilitation of
Homes Pursuant to COAH Regulations.
4. Refund of Tax and/or Sewer Fee Overpayments.
5. Appointing Public Safety Telecommunicator Trainees.
March 27, 2003
Resolutions 6. Directing the Issuance of Various Amusement Game Distributor's
Con t inued License.
7. Directing the Issuance of Various Amusement Game Device
Licenses.
8. EUS - Swiftreach Networks, Inc. reverse 911.
9. Creating various Handicapped Parking Spaces.
Councilmember Parisi asked how much the Swiftreach would be.
Mayor Reiman said they guaranteed us twelve certified lines. The
County offered a similar program but there is no guarantee in the
number of lines and if there is an emergency in the County it would ...
Councilmember Sosnowski said it would take twice as long as 911.
Mayor Reiman said it was not redundant in that with Swiftreach you
have three different services across the country. The chances are you
are never going to have all three down.
Communica t ion s COMMUNICATIONS:
1. MC Board of Chosen Freeholders - a) Resolution urging Governor
& State Legislature to Restore Public Health Priority Funding in
Proposed FY 2004 State Budget adopted March 6, 2003.
b) Resolution endorsing the Middlesex County Open Space &
Recreation Master Plan 2003 adopted March 6, 2003.
Mayor Reiman said he wanted to take a look and see when the
Borough Engineer gets a chance to look and see the Master Plan. We
want to make sure that our projects were included in there and if they
Discussion are we can put it on as a resolution in support of.
Councilmember Rios said they wrote a letter last year to the county to
put in their budget from West Carteret Park, the upgrade of the tennis
courts and lights at the field. He then asked if they ever received a
response with that included in their budget because they were
supposed to.
Councilmember Krum said he knew that the lights were not included.
He said he spoke to (inaudible) about the graffiti at the Skate Park. He
said he did ask him about lights and he looked at him like he was
(inaudible).
Mayor Reiman said there was money put aside for the West Carteret
Park.
The Mayor said as part of the County Open Space Recreation Master
Plan it would give them an idea of what projects they are going to fund
what County projects and what projects are they going to fund in
Municipalities. That would be the Municipal Project and they would
simply come up with Open Space Money. Before we do a resolution
supporting it we'll take a look at the list and make sure they included
projects in Carteret.
Councilmember Rios said that street hockey rink was put on when he
first came on the council and it probably has not been upgraded since
then.
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March 27, 2003
Councilmember Krum said as Stephen "Pete" Delina always says,
"call Monday morning". If you want to set up a meeting we'll go see
Ralph too.
Councilmember Rios said that sounded like a plan.
2. Township of Woodbridge - a) Land Use & Development Communications
Ordinance, Re: Banners, Flags and Streamers. Public Heating April (Continued)
1, 2003.
b) Copy of pehodic reexamination of their Master Plan.
Payment of
PAYMENT OF BILLS: Bills
1. List of bills properly audited and signed.
REPORTS: Repot t s
1. Clerk's Office - March 2003.
Matters for
MATTERS FOR DISCUSSION: Dis cuss ion
1. Bids Received - a) Chain Link Fence at Chrome Baseball Field. b)
Band Shelter.
Councilmember Rios asked who is on the list for authorized
contractors.
The Municipal Clerk asked Councilman Rios if he was talking about
COAH.
Councilmember Rios replied yes.
The Municipal Clerk said that it was only one person, James Pappas
for 21 Capp Street.
Councilmember Rios asked if they had the list for the
telecommunicator trainees.
The Municipal Clerk said she had three names.
Mayor Reiman asked the Councilman if he wanted to appoint them
that night.
Councilmember Rios said there is no major emergency on it. He said
he spoke to Captain Hojecki about it (inaudible). One of the
dispatchers just came back from her illness.
Mayor Reiman said there is some time before the next meeting.
Councilmember Rios said they could do it that night.
March 27, 2003
Resolution #03-114 RESOLUTION #03-114 was introduced by the Mayor and referred to
Appointing Public the Council for action
Safety Tele- ~
communicator
Trainee Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Rios and Sitarz
RESOLUTION #03-114
"RESOLUTION APPOINTING PUBLIC SAFETY
TELECOMMUNICATOR TRAINEE"
Adopted was adopted. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmember Krum,
Naples, Parisi, Rios, Sitarz and Sosnowski voted in the affirmative.
b) Band Shelter
Mayor Reiman said then asked about the Band Shelter
Councilmember Krum said he spoke to the people they bought the
band shelter from. They gave them a few names because they did not
put a bid in but they were in the mid twenty thousand range. It was put
out to bid and we now have three bids, one at forty-one, one a sixteen
five and another at eighteen four.
Councilmember Parisi said Zenith is the company that bid forty-one
thousand dollars.
Councilmember Krum said he would recommend that they take the
$16,500.00 and vote on it next Thursday so we can put every thing in
order.
Mayor Reiman said they would not have a meeting until the 16th.
Councilmember Krum said that Zenith was the highest out of East
Newark. $18,500.00 is Alfa so he guessed that they went in the middle
with R&B Reynolds Contracting from Mercerville, New Jersey.
The Borough Attorney said there is such a big swing that he was sure
that it would be fine..
Councilmember Sitarz asked if anyone locally bid on it.
Resolution #03-115 Resolution #03-115 was introduced by the Mayor and referred to the
Awarding Contract Council for action
For Band Schelter
qJpon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Rios and Sitarz
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March 27, 2003
RESOLUTION #03-115
"RESOLUTION AWARD1NG CONTRACT FOR BAND
SHELTER"
was adopted. Upon individual roll call vote Councilmembers Kmm, Adopted
Naples, Parisi, Rios, Sitarz and Sosnowski voted in the affirmative
2. Patrick DeBlasio - requesting professional services resolution for
Hodulik & Morrison, not to exceed $7500.00 - Re: Computation of
sewer utility connection fees and review of sewer user fees.
Mayor Reiman asked Councilmember Parisi if Patrick DeBlasio
touched base with him on this matter.
Councilmember Parisi replied no, he only spoke to him briefly and
only about what Mr. Scheno brought up at the last meeting.
Mayor Reiman said this is part of it and to also take a look at the
Sewer Ordinance in terms of the rates for corporations or industry. It
tums out that we charge a flat fee to connect. When someone builds a
new home it is $500.00 to connect. In most of the municipalities in the
County it is about $1500.00. Hodulik & Morrison should review this
and the sewer ordinance itself. Because we won't have a meeting until Discussion
the 16th he asked the Council to approve this tonight so they can begin
the process. This will be funded through the Sewer Department.
RESOLUTION//03-116 was introduced by the Mayor and referred to Resolutiom~03-1'16
Authorizing a
the Council for action Professional
Service Contract
Hodulik &
Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Sitarz and Rios Morrison
RESOLUTION #03-116
"RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
CONTRACT HODULIK & MORRISON"
was adopted. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers Krum, Adopted
Naples, Parisi, Rios, Sitarz and Sosnowski voted in the affirmative.
3. NJ Department of Personnel-a) Certification of Eligibles for
Appointment, Re: Administrative Secretary. Date of Disposition:
6/10/03.
Councilmember Rios asked the Municipal Clerk who that was.
Mayor Reiman replied that it was for Community Development.
Councilmember Rios asked what they were doing there.
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March 27, 2004
Mayor Reiman said they had the desk audit and it came back as
Administrative Secretary. We do not have a position as Administrative
Secretary under the Finance Department.
Councilmember Rios asked why they could not make them Clerk
Typist.
Mayor Reiman replied that the State Civil Service came back and said
she is an Administrative Secretary.
Councilmember Parisi said this was one of the ones that they went
over so this is not one that we need to discuss with (inaudible) because
of the desk audit.
The Borough Attorney said they could discuss this part of the
negotiations because (inaudible) salary adjustment ..
The Mayor said it does not have to be a salary adjustment but we still
have to put the person in the position.
Discussion Councilmember Rios said that was his only concem. He then asked
who else they had as an Administrative Assistant?
The Municipal Clerk said they had just one in the Police Department.
Mayor Reiman said that salary was for the Police Department. If we
are going to do something and put the individual in that position we
need to take a look at the salary.
The Borough Attorney asked what their recommendation was.
Mayor Reiman said the recommendation from last year was to move
the (inaudible) and kept the salary the same.
The Borough Attorney said he thought it was to move up a step.
Instead of starting at the top of the step (inaudible) $5000.00 more.
Mayor Reiman said he would have thought that the Finance
Committee would have discussed this already but apparently not.
The Borough Attorney said their contract was taken off the table, they
never got to it.
Mayor Reiman asked if they resolved this issue.
Councilmember Parisi replied no, they have until June l0th. He said he
was perfectly happy to continue to work on it.
The Borough Attorney asked if they negotiated that contract.
Councilmember Rios asked what the salary was for the other
Administrative Assistant. What is the difference?
Mayor Reiman said the Administrative Secretary at the Police
Department at five years is $33,039.00 and a Senior Clerk Typist, fifth
year is $30,363.00. If we are going to move the individual we'll move
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March 27, 2003
them to the third year Administrative Secretary which would be
$36,676.00.
Councilmember Parisi said this was already discussed.
Councilmember Rios said his only concern is the difference in salary.
The Borough Attorney said it always comes back to haunt you.
Councilmember Parisi said if you put the person in the third position
of the Administrative Secretary that would be $300.00. But again, she Matters for
will move up two more steps. Discus s ion
Councilmember Rios said they were saying how many years she is
there versus the other employee that is there approximately twenty
years. Why should she get that much of a jump?
Mayor Reiman asked if they were waiting for the White-Collar
negotiations to be finalized before we do this ordinance?
Councilmember Parisi said that was what Mr. Mercatanti wanted to do
as well. He felt it would be better to wait until the White Contract was
done to discuss these individuals.
Mayor Reiman said they will hold off on making a final decision on
the position.
b) Fire Chief's Examination
The Municipal Clerk stated that Brian O'Connor requested the exam.
Councilmember Sosnowski said they can discuss this in committee.
Mayor Reiman said his title is Battalion Chief and the prior to that was
Fire Superintendent.
Councilmember Sosnowski said they should leave well enough alone.
Councilmember Krum asked why he would want to change his title?
Mayor Reiman asked if there was a lower salary with Fire Chief,
perhaps?
Councilmember Krum said they should check the price scale on that.
4. Borough Code - Amending Code, Re: Signs on Borough Property.
Mayor Reiman said he asked the Municipal Clerk to put this on. Tony
Neibert is finishing up the Ordinance and we'll have the Borough
Attorney review it. It basically forbids signs on poles, PSE&G poles,
telephone poles or any poles in the Borough. If you want to put a sign
up it has to go on your lawn only. It would also restrict everyone from
Century 21 and all the others that come in and put signs up all over the
place. At one time Tony Neibert had the community service workers
take down over one hundred signs.
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March 27, 2003
Councilmember Rios said that the ordinance is a violation of his civil
rights and a violation of his freedom of speech.
The Borough Attorney said Councilmember Rios is skating on thin
ice.
Councilmember Rios said we have within the Borough, which is
against his better judgement, the vending machines for the newspapers
which back in 1982, we had to have these different newspapers to go
on Borough public property (inaudible).
Mayor Reiman said the ordinance should be ready for first reading at
the next Council Meeting.
5. T&M Associates - Change Order needed for Arthur Kill Waterfront
Park Property. $150,000.00 - Extension of Time.
The Municipal Clerk stated that Don Norbut asked her to put a change
order on for the Arthur Kill Waterfront Park Project.
Mayor Reiman said that the Borough Engineer will be here shortly so
they will touch base with him on that.
Business to BUSINESS TO BE ADDED:
be Added
Councilmember Par/si reported that since the next meeting is not until
the 16th of April it would behoove everyone to go to the Annex to sign
all the PO's much more in advance. He said he also had something for
Closed Session, negotiations.
Councilmember Sosnowski reported that Engine #4 had a minor traffic
accident on the way to a fire. The engine is still in service and right
now they are getting prices for repair. The other thing he mentioned at
the last meeting was the emergency response and we discussed it in
pretty good detail, The HomeLand Security. He said it was something
that he wanted to reach out and discuss with Ron Simon and
unfortunately he hasn't gotten in touch with him as yet but he wanted
to give the Mayor and Council something to look at. One of the big
things that happened during 9-11 and the first thing they talked about
was when New Jersey had called and asked what kind of help we
could send. The first response was "don't send anyone, we can't
control what has been sent already". This is going to be happening
statewide. This will have people trained in minor first aid, minor
response. It has been big in California and he thinks it something they
should look at. Cost is a factor and right now they estimate it at $90.00
a person. The actual gear is a vest and helmet but it will be coming
down from the County to all OEM's in the State of New Jersey. We
should try to set something up with Ron Simon and talk about it.
Mayor Reiman said he understood that the CAP and they are looking
at the possibility of purchasing a Fire Truck as a donation to the
Borough and in addition the Federal Government has appropriated
seven hundred fifty million dollars for Fire Department personnel. He
then asked if the Borough has applied as yet.
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March 27, 2003
Councilmember Sosnowski replied that he would check with Brian
O'Connor to make sure that went in. As he understands, they are still
juggling it around.
Mayor Reiman said they are anticipating that and everything should
have been tallied the next day. The Mayor then addressed
Councilmember Sitarz and told him that he knew that they lost a dump
track in a pothole.
Conncilmember Sitarz reported that he received a letter from O'Ryan
(inaudible). Sally Mesler is asking for a new radio, a car and she wants
violation stickers.
Mayor Reiman said the inspector was out making inspections the other
day and the problem is that no inspections have been done in the last
four or five years. None the less she does need violation stickers, a
radio that we should probably have one in the Borough.
Conncilmember Rios said they should see ...
Mayor Reiman said he still has the one that Chief Pieczyski gave him
and it has not worked since he gave it to him. As far as a vehicle, we
will not have one that is assigned to a specific person. There will not
be an inspection everyday. He wants a notice to the residents ...
Councilmember Rios said from what he understands the industry and
businesses come under the County and they ask for a waiver. Discussion
Mayor Reiman said he knew that the County does inspections but that
doesn't forbid us from doing inspections. He then addressed the
Borough Attorney and asked him if he knew anything about this.
The Borough Attorney said it doesn't forbid you, this is the first time
he heard of this.
Councilmember Rios said he didn't think they should have full control
over it.
Mayor Reiman said one of the issues is that we don't pick up the
garbage for all of the business and industry. Certainly the ones that we
do, like the Mom & Pop business.
Councilmember Rios agreed. He said he thought that we should
monitor even the industrial users and other businesses. The County
supersedes our authority. As far as the car, that was taken away from
her because at one time it was specifically for her department and it
was taken away from her and put into another department but there
should be access to a motor pool.
Mayor Reiman said he agreed. Once that is done they can increase
inspections again.
Councilmember Sitarz said the other thing he wanted to discuss was
when Don Norbut comes in .... He has five applications for
handicapped parking, three were accepted and two were rejected.
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March 27, 2003
Mayor Reiman said the Municipal Clerk, the Borough Engineer and
the Police Department were going to put together a listing. The Mayor
asked the Municipal Clerk if she pulled her file.
The Municipal Clerk replied not yet.
Mayor Reiman said he had Chief Pieczyski assign somebody and we
should put together an itemized list of who has been approved.
The Municipal Clerk said she had one application in her pending file.
Councilmember Sitarz said another thing he wanted to discuss was
with Don Norbut, when he gets in. There are sinkholes on
Romanowski and (inaudible).
The Mayor asked if that was were there was a water leak.
Councilmember Sitarz replied that the water leak was on (inaudible)
and the other thing was Middlesex Avenue. He asked if they have an
Matters for Ordinance to dig a hole in the road, it has to be done properly. Who is
Oiscussion in charge of that, Washington Avenue was just paved. If you go down
Continued by Mr. Kapp house you see a very large hole in the ground.
The Borough Attorney replied that they don't need a permit because it
is a County road.
The Mayor said they would have to get after the County to get after the
Utility Company.
Councilmember Rios asked that they put no parking signs on both
sides of East Jersey Street. Right now there is no parking on one side.
We already discussed this and the baseball season has already started.
It's a dangerous thing.
Councilmember Krnm said they should put some yellow tape around
the island just so it sticks out a little bit.
Councilmember Padsi said the should definitely have it for the next
Council Meeting because of Opening Day.
Mayor Reiman said Opening Day is the 12th.
Councilmember Rios said the one island East of Jersey Street and the
one island West of Jersey Street has been discussed back and forth and
it could solve a lot of problems.
The Borough Attorney said they would have a traffic officer go out
and take a look at it and maybe get a description from him on how to
go about it. We have to measure and figure out the distances.
Councilmember Naples - Building & Grounds. The Library columns
are hollow and (inaudible) made a suggestion about putting mesh and
filling it to eliminate the problem.
Mayor Reiman said they will still be hollow inside.
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March 27, 2003
Councilmember Naples said it would strengthen them though and
brick facing is expensive.
Councilmember Sosnowski said the stucco ...
Mayor Reiman said he was glad to see the Borough's Buildings &
Grounds 2003 is taking a hands on approach.
Councilmember Naples said that Mr. Neibert spoke to somebody about
the basement at Borough Hall and we need a purchase order to take
care of the problems down there.
Councilmember Krum said with the temporary seasonal employees we
have soccer program coming up. Robert Sisko, $500.00.
Mayor Reiman asked when the soccer program starts.
Councilmember Krum replied after school ends. Bobby Kately
brought this up to him today but he doesn't have an exact date.
Mayor Reiman said he wanted to make sure that any temporary
employees that we are bringing on. He then asked Councilman Krum
if he had anything to discuss in Closed Session.
Mayor Reiman asked the Borough Attorney if he wanted to say
anything in Open Session. Discussion
Mayor Reiman said as he mentioned to the Council earlier, tomorrow
morning at 10:30 A.M they have a press conference and the UEZ
Board and the UEZ Committee has been invited. The businesses as
well as the Community Development Board will meet the new director
of economic development and the UEZ. The meeting will be held at
the Community Center and at 6:30 P.M. We will have the rally to
support our troops in Carteret Park at the Memorial.
Councilmember Rios said someone brought to his attention the idea
that even though we can't force them, Shop Rite, he has seen it in
other towns where they have a cross walk right there at the main
entrance.
Mayor Reiman said there is a cross walk right there.
Councilmember Rios said it should be a little more visible and they
should bring it to Shop Rite's attention. They are UEZ, correct?
Mayor Reiman replied yes.
Councilmember Krum said they should make the signs more visible.
Councilmember Rios said Mr. Sitar is a fair minded citizen.
The Mayor then asked Councilmember Rios if he had anything for
Closed Session.
Councilmember Rios said possible litigation.
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March 27, 2003
Recess Upon unanimous affirmative vote of the full membership present, the
meeting went into recess at approximately 6:45 P.M.
Reconvened At approximately 7:00 P.M. the meeting was reconvened. Upon
individual roll call, the following were noted present, Councilmembers
Krum, Naples, Parisi, Rios, Sitarz and Sosnowski.
Mayor Reiman then introduced the Borough Engineer Donald Norbut.
Borough Engineer The Borough Engineer said he did not have a detailed report for them
Don Norbut that evening but there was one thing he wanted to discuss was the
Change Order for the Waterfront Park Project.
Councilmember Krum asked if it was an overpayment of money.
Mayor Reiman addressed Councilman Sitarz and said he had a few
questions he wanted to ask him. They are general engineering
questions, Middlesex Avenue.
Municipal Clerk Kathleen Barney asked if there was another one down
there.
Councilmember Sitarz asked what is to be decided about Middlesex
Avenue.
The Borough Engineer replied that it was a base repair.
Councilmember Sitarz said it was getting worse, the other section is
coming up.
The Borough Engineer said he was hoping to have that done earlier
this week but the contractor needs to call for a utility mark out and
they need five days to get that done.
Councilmember Sitarz said the other thing was Romanowski Street
and Whittier, there are sink holes over there.
The Borough Engineer said as Councilman Sitarz pointed out to him,
there is a slight dip in the pavement. It seems to be in the vicinity of a
slow (inaudible) drain. There are 48 inch pipes going through. It could
be a situation where some soil is slowly sinking into some of the
joints. He said he didn't know if it was an immediate problem, it
doesn't appear to be a sink hole with paving that has actually broken
through but it is something that they should keep an eye on.
Councilmember Sitarz said they should monitor it first and give it a
couple more months and see what happens with the rain. If the pipe is
leaking the soil will erode and it will go right down.
The Borough Engineer said if it is a real problem it will continue
(inaudible). We do have the camera and we will be getting bids on
April 3rd for that.
The Mayor asked the Borough Engineer if they could put (inaudible)
in there. Mayor Reiman then addressed Councilman Sosnowski and
said that a question came up in regards to that. He said he knew they
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March 27, 2003
said the Volunteer Fire Company had a municipal truck that is no
longer used or needed.
Councilmember Sosnowski replied that they do use it but one of the
things they did talk to them about (inaudible) in there.
Mayor Reiman said he did not recall those part of the discussion ever
coming up at the Council because they came to him recently and said
(inaudible) your truck.
Councilmember Sosnowski said no, that it all depended on the pricing
that came in and how it worked out. That was our original discussion.
Mayor Reiman said not about replacing a truck,
Councilmember Sosnowski said what he originally brought up was
replacing it. It would be less expensive to buy that truck then opposed
to buying the box truck that we were looking at.
Mayor Reiman said they still need to replace the truck.
Councilmember Sosnowski said yes but it would have still been
cheaper to replace and that was why we did it both ways.
Councilmember Sitarz asked if they are going into a lease program
w~th the County. O i scus s £ on
Mayor Reiman replied that they just entered into a leasing program but
it would be too late to add anything on to it. Those items had to be
approved in January.
Councilmember Sosnowski said that was why when we originally bid
on it we bid it both ways.
The Mayor said he knew they bid it but he didn't recall ever a
discussion about buying an additional truck for the Fire Department.
Councilmember Sosnowski said they were actually using it but was
suitable for this. He said the reason he brought this up is that it might
have been at a cheaper rate.
The Borough Engineer said he didn't realize originally that the truck is
old.
Mayor Reiman asked what kind of track it was.
Councilmember Sosnowski replied that it was a utility body.
The Borough Engineer said they have to make a decision and the good
thing is that we will have some flexibility when we get the bids
because we did bid it with a new truck.
Councilmember Naples said she had a question for the Borough
Engineer. She said she has a concern about Pine Street and the
disgusting water lying there.
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March 27, 2003
The Borough Engineer replied that over the past year he had a resident
call about a drainage problem at 19 Pine Street. He said they went out
there and looked at it. It is a common problem due to (inaudible) and it
is not going to go away unless we do some repair work on the
roadway. There is a possibility that these types of small things can be
added to a larger road program. He then asked if the Council received --~
a letter from the resident..
The Mayor asked the Borough Engineer to give him a report on the
conditions of the street. Also we'll need your list of recommended
streets if we are to continue with the County paving program and if
you would also reach out to Commander Hagan and find out where we
are with that.
The Borough Engineer said one of the things that he would like to get
a feel from the Council is how much you think you might have
budgeted. He said he didn't want to work up an estimate on 15 streets
if we're only going to do 5.
Mayor Reiman said they didn't want to miss and skip out of the
program because we may not get back in again. We want to stay in the
program. Obviously it is going to have to be pared down this year.
Discussion We'll touch base with Patrick DeBlasio and see what funding, if any is
available. We'll have to do a few streets this year.
Councilmember Rios said he thought they also need a (inaudible) high
priority because this parking lot is terrible. The Police and Fire ~
Headquarters have ton of people coming in and out of there and it is a
top priority to get it repaired. We've had a number of people get
injured there.
Mayor Reiman said as part of the negotiations we talked about is angle
parking and making Liebig Lane one way so that we can put in about
30 to 40 parking spaces. As part of the negotiations we may have to go
over a couple of feet.
Councilmember Sitarz said he had one other question for the Borough
Engineer. With the last rainfall Randolph and Dully Streets had a
problem where the water was not flowing down into the sewer. The
last storm we had the rainwater was in the middle of the street.
The Borough Engineer asked if the water was in the middle of the
intersection.
Councilmember Sitarz said yes but there was an abnormal high tide so
that could have been part of the problem. Every time it rains that one
catch basin is caved in. He said he knew there was sewer work done
over there years ago. ~.~
The Borough Engineer said he was not sure of that area in particular
but there are some areas where .... and that is a bigger problem. He
then said he would look at those streets.
Councilmember Rios addressed the Borough Engineer and said two
years ago we got involved with the West Carteret detour to try to
alleviate Councilmembers Krum and Naples with the truck traffic in
West Carteret. There were two meetings between Woodbridge and us
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March 27, 2003
and through those different meetings we have come to realize at least
half of (inaudible). We can't get all the trucks going east and west off
the (inaudible) east from Rahway being that the Turnpike Bridge is
already a disaster with the traffic backing (inaudible).
Councilmember Naples asked a question, it was inaudible.
Councilmember Rios said coming from Rahway you would make the
right to Blair Road and go onto Milik onto Federal Blvd.
The Borough Engineer said as Councilman Rios indicated we keep
going round and round with Woodbridge as well as the Middlesex
County Engineer's Office. The main stumbling block is, as we start to
divert and move track traffic off of Roosevelt Avenue, we're going to
impact some of the other streets. Right now the two main traffic
signals that we have at Blair and Minue. Those signals and the timing
for those signals are set up to handle the truck and vehicle traffic that
is coming from certain streets. If we start shifting things around we
could get in a situation where we make the level of service to those
intersections a bit worse. What we found is when we did model the
intersection of Minue and Post that if we were to divert the traffic in a
West bound direction and have everyone make a left on Minue and go
around it would really degrade that level of service for that left hand
turn. We would wind up sacking vehicles back over the bridge a lot
worse than it is now. We recognized early on that was going to be a
problem. Councilman Rios then suggested that they focus on just
trying to get (inaudible) and stop the traffic from moving East, from Discussion
Randolph Street in Woodbridge, New Jersey. We looked at that and
model it as well and what we are finding is that on Randolph Street we
could get more packing. In the afternoon and at rush hour we could get
a little more backup and queuing on Blair Road which is a light
industrial area. If we want to implement this program, at least in one
direction, without making intersection improvements or signal timing
changes we can do that. He said he thought they could get County and
Woodbrige support. One of the things he is suggesting is if we want to
try to do this, and both communities can put up a little more queuing
or backup of traffic we should do a filed test. He suggested that they
put up a temporary bypass for one week, set up some signs, warn
everyone and see what kind of backup we get. If we like what we see
we can move to implement the detour (inaudible). If it causes
problems we can rethink what we want to do.
Councilmember Rios said what may help that is to make sure that the Re: Blair Road
light at Blair Road be a "turn on red" because that would stop the "Turn on Red"
queuing into Avenel, Woodbridge or Rahway.
The Borough Engineer replied that he did not know if the right on red
was prohibited
Councilmember Parisi said it was not prohibited.
Councilmember Rios said that was good news and they should try it
for at least a week.
Councilmember Sitarz asked why they couldn't come down from
Rahway Avenue to Elmora Avenue.
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March 27, 2003
Councilmember Rios said they had a meeting with Woodbridge and
they are complaining about the six to eight houses that are in there.
We're putting up with their garbage and all their trucks.
Councilmember Sitarz said all that traffic is coming from Woodbridge
not from Carteret. Why do the people of Carteret have to be
inconvenienced by all the traffic in Woodbridge?
The Borough Engineer said the one thing about it is even if we don't
send them to Federal they can potentially cut through Omar Avenue
we would not restrict trucks from going that way.
Councilmember Sitarz said 90% of the dump trucks right now are
coming out of Pathmark, HoRo, Overnight, White Rose etc.
(inaudible). They're turning down Randolph (inaudible) and that
would eliminate all that traffic down there.
Councilmember Rios said they could not get Woodbrige to agree. We
had a meeting with their Mayor and their Engineering Department and
(inaudible).
Discussion Councilmember Sitarz said they we're doing it that way, right Mayor?
Councilmember Rios said he agreed and he would rather have it that
way but it is part of the negotiation process.
Borough Engineer Don Norbut said they did make one concession and
that was that they originally wanted to bypass on Federal. We met with
them and negotiated in good faith and conceded to use Milik Street as
the bypass. We've given on our side more than some and hopefully
they will allow us to establish this temporary field test. Let's see if it
works and we'll have to get the County's permission to do it too. He
said he thought they were making progress with Woodbridge.
Mayor Reiman said he should do this as soon as possible.
Councilmember Parisi said speaking of the traffic light on the West
Carteret bridge...
The Borough Engineer said unfortunately the County has deferred that
to the State because the (inaudible). The State has agreed to make the
change, but as we know, dealing with the DOT sometimes things don't
get picked up over night. You would think it is a relative or minor
change but he would not be surprised if it took three or four months
before something gets done. We have to keep after them.
Mayor Reiman asked the Borough Engineer if he had any other
questions before they do the Public Heating on the 2003 Green Acres
Acquisitions.
Borough Engineer The Borough Engineer gave his presentation:
The Borough has made a decision, or will make a decision, to submit
an application to the (inaudible) Green Acres Office under the
acquisition program. That will be an Open Space Acquisition Program
as opposed to the Development Grant Application, which we have
applied to over the last few years. The project consists of acquisition
16
March 27, 2003
of two parcels. We are looking to acquire additional properties
adjacent to this that will allow us to expand our park for a variety of
things. Again, in relation to our facility (inaudible) and there is an
existing parking lot that the Borough is looking to acquire to provide
substantial parking needs for the park site. That will have truck and
trailer parking for boat trailers well as passenger car parking. There is
a current parking lot that is used with a warehouse facility and they
store tractor trailer bodies back there at this time. It is a fully curbed
parking lot and a full paving section with lighting along the perimeter.
The second parcel is lot 4 and that is mostly open space but there is a
small paved parking lot on a portion of that property as well. Again,
immediately adjacent to our park property and by acquiring that we'll
look to expand our facilities and add some addition trails or some
provide some additional needed parking for our facility. We have
some other opportunities in the vicinity as part of a larger plan but they
think this next step and this next acquisition should really round out
the park nicely. The approximate cost they have put together for the
project, which is included in the application, is $1.4 million dollars for
a total of four acres. Those costs are estimates and for the
determination of what the final costs are we move forward with the
project. We put some estimates together to round out the application. It
is that straight forward and the application will be submitted next week
and public hearing is a requirement. The Council needs to pass a
resolution endorsing this so that (inaudible) the application.
Mayor Reiman asked if the Council had any questions.
Councilmember Sitarz asked why they just didn't condemn the
property.
Mayor Reiman said they might still have to do that but this would
setup some funding for that property.
Discussion
The Borough Engineer said this would provide us with the funding. He
then addressed the Mayor about the Baykeeper situation.
Mayor Reiman said they had not addressed the Baykeeper situation but
the Baykeepers have come up with a substantial funding for the first
parcel, which would be the cost that we would have to bare. We have a
substantial amount of funding which would be announced once we
have a certified letter from them.
The Borough Engineer said some of the cost could be off set from
other (inaudible) if we don't get the full grant. The good news is that
the Green Acres people have changed their program this year. So,
instead of a 50/50-grant loan we can get a 75 grant.
Councilmember Naples asked if there was a estimated time frame on
the opposition if it doesn't go smoothly.
The Borough Engineer replied that the application itself can be
submitted next week and they would probably hear in 60 days as to
whether we were granted the loan.
Mayor Reiman addressed the Borough Engineer and asked if in terms
of fimding, last year they did roughly half acquisition and half funding
of Green Acres monies that were available. Do we have any idea how
17
March 27, 2003
much money there is in the pot this year whether it be in construction
or acquisition.
The Borough Engineer said, as to his understanding they are looking to
provide more acquisition money this year than development money. In
past years they would have done the opposite but there is a push from
State level (inaudible) Open Space. Just for a reminder, we do have
two applications pending with Green Acres for development.
Mayor Reiman said that would be Phase II of the park and also the
Pond Project.
The Borough Engineer said the are not competing with each other as
far as the development and acquisition because it is two different pots
o f money.
Public Hearing Upon MMS&C, by Councilmember Sitarz and Sosnowski and
Opened unanimous affirmative vote of the full membership present, the Mayor
declared the Public Hearing to be opened for any questions on this
project:
John Sudia asked what was the potential loss of revenue on the
existing properties.
Comments The Borough Engineer stated that it was not necessary to evaluate as
part of his application. He said he guessed it will come into play
during the negotiation process.
The Mayor addressed Mr. Sudia and said it would be very minimal in
terms of what those individual pieces are assessed at, it is very
minimal but it would certainly be worth adding to the park program
once we finish that park. The pier and floating dock are on schedule to
be dedicated some time in June.
Public Hearing There being no further comments or objections, the Mayor declared
Closed the Public Heating to be closed, upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers
Sosnowski and Sitarz and unanimous affirmative vote of the full
membership present.
Resolution ~03-117 RESOLUTION #03-117 was introduced by the Mayor and referred to
State of NJ Dept- the Council for action.
of Environmental
Protection Green
Acres Enabling
Resolution Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Sitarz and Rios
RESOLUTION #03-117
"STATE OF NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION GREEN ACRES ENABLiNG
RESOLUTION"
Adopted was adopted. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers Krum,
Naples, Parisi, Rios, Sosnowski and Sitarz voted in the affirmative.
18
March 27, 2003
Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Sosnowski and Sitarz and Open to the Public
unanimous affirmative vote of the full membership present, the
meeting was opened to the public for discussion.
Mayor Reiman said the meeting was opened to the public for any
comments or new business.
There being no comments or objections, upon MMS&C, by Closed to Public
Councilmembers Sosnowski and Rios and unanimous affirmative vote
of the full membership present, the meeting was closed to the public at
approximately 7:25 P.M.
RESOLUTION #03-118 was introduced by the Mayor and referred to Resolution f03-118
To Go Into Closed
the Council for action. Session
Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Sosnowski and Krum
RESOLUTION #03-118
"RESOLUTION TO GO INTO CLOSED SESSION"
was adopted. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers Krum, Adopted
Naples, Par/si, Rios, Sosnowski and Sitarz voted in the affirmative.
At approximately 7:55 P.M., upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Rios Meeting Opened to the
and Sitarz and unanimous affirmative vote of the full membership Public
present, the meeting was opened to the public.
RESOLUTION #03-119 was introduced by the Mayor and referred to Resolution #03-119
the Council for action. Approving Workers
Compensation Claim
Settlement-
RESOLUTION #03-119 Caldwel 1
"RESOLUTION APPROViNG WORKERS COMPENSATION
CLAIM SETTLEMENT-CALDWELL"
was adopted. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers Krum, Adopted
Naples, Parisi, Rios, Sosnowski and Sitarz voted in the affirmative.
RESOLUTION #03-120 was introduced by the Mayor and referred to Resolution #03-120
the Council for action. Approving Change
Order Reicon Group
Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Krum and Rios A. Kill Waterfront
Recreation Facility
RESOLUTION #03 - 120
"APPROVING CHANGE ORDER #1 REICON GROUP, LLC-
ARTHUR KILL WATERFRONT RECREATION FACILITY"
was adopted. Upon individual roll call vote Councilmembers Kmm, Adopted
Naples, Parisi, Rios, Sitarz and Sosnowski voted in the affirmative.
19
March 27, 2003
Councilmember Krum said he hoped the Engineer, who doesn't know
what a 2 x 4 is, does not come back to this town anymore.
Resolution #03-121 RESOLUTION//03-121 was introduced by the Mayor and referred to
Authorizing Borough the Council for action
Attorney to File ~
Tax Appeals Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Rios and Krum
RESOLUTION #03-121
AUTHORIZING THE BOROUGH ATTORNEY TO FILE TAX
APPEALS"
Adopted was adopted. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers ]imm,
Naples, Parisi, Rios and Sosnowski voted in the affirmative.
Councilmember Sitarz abstained.
Ordinance #03-12 ORDINANCE #03-12 was introduced and adopted on First Reading
To Amend Ordinance
~71-9 Establishing and the Clerk authorized and directed to advertise same for Public
Salary Schedules & Hearing to be held on April 16, 2003, upon MMS&C,
Fixing the Manner Councilmembers Par/si and Rios. Upon individual roll call vote,
of Payments of Councilmembers Krum, Naples, Parisi, Rios, Sitarz and Sosnowski
Salaries for voted in the affirmative.
Various Officials &
Employees RESOLUTION #03-122 was introduced by the Mayor and referred to
Resolution #03-122 the Council for action
Authorizing the De-
commission of an Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembcrs Rios and Pafisi ~--~
Inground Swimming
Pool & Repair/ RESOLUTION#03-122
Replacement of Wall
at 64 Hagaman St - "AUTHORIZING THE DECOMMISSION OF AN INGROUND
SWIMMING POOL AND REPAIR/REPLACEMENT OF WALL AT
64 HAGAMAN STREET"
Adopted was adopted. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers Krum,
Naples, Parisi, Rios, Sitarz and Sosnowski voted in the affirmative.
Mayor Reiman said that is for the work. The Engineers will bill
against the general engineering.
Councilmember Sitarz stated that he had a question about the houses
on Washington Avenue. They have nothing but concrete in from of
their houses. Once we put that in aren't the driveways supposed to be
regulated by the County because it's a County road? You just can't
arbitrarily take your front yard and make it into a parking lot.
Councilmember Sosnowski said they should have to go for a County
permit.
Councilmember Sitarz said if they were going to have the streetscape
we'd be driving all over those beautiful...
Mayor Reiman the streetscape is not going to be in front of the curb
cuts or the aprons.
Councilmember Rios asked if they were talking about the regular
sidewalks to the curb?
2O
March 27, 2003
Councilmember Krum said it goes right to the front steps.
Mayor Reiman said where there is a driveway and where you have
your apron we're not putting pavers in front of the driveway.
Councilmember Sitarz said he knew that.
Councilmember Krum said he knew what they were saying. The only Comments
way to get to the promenade you are going to have to go in the
driveway and make a fight instead of go straight. Instead of having a
driveway the full width of the house..
Councilmember Sitarz said they have about four or five cars. Now,
there is another house being built fight next to the Scheno's and one
over they tore the roof off and are making a two family house. He then
asked where they would park.
There being no further business or discussion, Upon MMS&C, by Adjourned
Councilmembers Sitarz and Sosnowski and unanimous affirmative
vote of the full membership present, the meeting was adjourned at
approximately 8:30 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Municipal Clerk
KMB/apm
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March 27, 2003
Agenda Meeting
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