Board of Commissioners

BORDENTOWN, NEW JERSEY NOVEMBER 14, 2022 The regular meeting of the Board of Commissioners was held at the Carslake Community Center on the above date at 7:00 PM and broadcast using the ZOOM Virtual Platform available to members of the public. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Jennifer L. Sciortino. The meeting was opened with a prayer by City Clerk Grace I. Archer followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. The City Clerk read the Sunshine Notice as follows: This meeting is being held in accordance with the provisions of the Open Public Meetings Act. Adequate public notice of this meeting has been given by the City Clerk of the City of Bordentown in the following manner: 1. Posting written notice of the time, date, and place on the official bulletin board at the Bordentown City Hall, 324 Farnsworth Avenue, Bordentown, New Jersey on January 11, 2022. 2. Electronic Submission and Mailing written notice of the time, date and place to The Times of Trenton and The Burlington County Times on January 11, 2022, and duly advertised in The Burlington County Times on January 14, 2022. 3. Notice of information and official meeting links to be published on the City’s official website for the Zoom Virtual format was included with the legal advertisement in The Burlington County Times on January 14, 2022. 4. Filing written notice with the Clerk of the City of Bordentown on January 11, 2022. The following named Commissioners answered the roll call: Mayor Jennifer L. Sciortino, Deputy Mayor Joseph D. Myers and Commissioner James E. Lynch, Jr. Commissioner Lynch moved the approval of the minutes of the Commission Meeting October 6, 2022, seconded by Mayor Sciortino. Motion carried with all Commissioners present voting in the affirmative. COMMUNICATIONS The City Clerk presented the following communication: 1. Letter from Bill Ryan, Burlington Mercer Chamber of Commerce, 44 th Annual Bordentown Street Fair to be held on Saturday, May 20, 2023, with a rain date Sunday, May 21, 2023, with street closures between 6:00AM and 6:00PM in coordination with the Bordentown City Police Department. The Street Fair will only be a one-day event. Commissioner Lynch tabled the communication for later discussion, seconded by Mayor Sciortino. Motion carried. 2. E-mail from CJ Mugavero, of the Downtown Bordentown Association, requesting permission to hold the following events: a. Winter Market on Friday evenings December 2, 9, and 16, 2022. An evening of holiday shopping with participating DBA businesses that will have tents set up on the sidewalk, with wares for sale. No street closure has been requested. b. Holiday Chocolate Walk on Friday, December 2, 2022, from 5:00PM – 9:00PM c. Holiday Spirits Ghost Story Pub Crawl, co-sponsored with DBA member, Bordentown Walking Tours on Saturday, December 10, 12:00PM – 4:00PM. This is a pre-ticketed event. Commissioner Lynch moved the approval of the communications, seconded by Mayor Sciortino. Motion carried. MAYOR SCIORTINO, DIRECTOR OF REVENUE AND FINANCE Mayor Sciortino, Director of Revenue and Finance presented the following Proclamation: CITY OF BORDENTOWN NEW JERSEY Lung Cancer Awareness Month WHEREAS, lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among men and women in the United States and New Jersey accounting for more deaths than colon cancer, breast cancer, and prostate cancer combined; and WHEREAS, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there were 29,905 new lung cancer cases and 17,858 deaths because of lung cancer between 2015 and 2019 in New Jersey and WHEREAS, the 5-year survival rate for localized lung cancer is ~60%, yet only ~24% of lung cancers are diagnosed at this stage; and WHEREAS, screening for lung cancer for high-risk individuals using low dose computed tomography can lead to the earlier detection of lung cancer and save lives, reducing the mortality by 20% when compared to screening by chest x-ray in the National Lung Screening Trial and reducing the risk of death at 10 years by 24% in men and 33% in women as demonstrated by another large, randomized trial; and WHEREAS, funding for lung cancer research trails far behind funding for research of many other cancers, and additional research is needed in early diagnosis, screening, and treatment for lung cancer as well as in lung cancer affecting women and lung cancer health disparities; and WHEREAS, lung cancer incidence is decreasing twice as fast in men as it is in women, each year more women die from lung cancer than breast cancer and by 2035, more women will die from lung cancer than men; and WHEREAS, African Americans have the highest lung cancer incidence and mortality of all races, and disparities in lung cancer screening, diagnosis, treatment, and mortality are well characterized among African Americans and other racial minorities; and WHEREAS, lung cancer in never smokers is the 7th leading cause of cancer-related death and accounts for 17,000- 26,000 deaths in the US every year, 60-70% of never smokers diagnosed with lung cancer are women and the proportion of lung cancers diagnosed in never smokers is increasing in the US; and  WHEREAS, organizations working in Bordentown community such as the American Lung Cancer Screening Initiative and Women’s Lung Cancer Forum, are committed to educating about lung cancer and lung cancer screening and working to increase lung cancer screening rates in Bordentown. NOW, THEREFORE, I, Jennifer L. Sciortino., Mayor of the City of Bordentown, on this 14th day of November 2022, join with Deputy Mayor Joe Myers and Commissioner James E. Lynch, Jr. on behalf of the residents of the City, in taking great pride in recognizing November as Lung Cancer Awareness Month and the need for research in lung cancer affecting women and lung cancer health disparities, and encourage all citizens to learn about lung cancer and early detection through lung cancer screening. Mayor Sciortino, read the Treasurer’s Report for the month ending October 31, 2022, as follows: REPORT OF RECEIPTS/DISBURSEMENTS Bank reconcilations for the cash balances presented below have been CITY & WATER UTILITY reconciled through October 31, 2022 CITY OF BORDENTOWN Respectfully submitted, Oct-22 M ar gar et M . Peak, A dmi n i str ator ,CM F O,QPA WATER UTILITY OCTOBER Year to Date BEGINNING BALANCE: $ 8,112,539.00 $ 8,112,539.00 CASH ON HAND $ 100.00 $ 100.00 $ 8,112,639.00 $ 8,112,639.00 RENTS $ 476,603.58 $ 2,670,396.95 ADMIN FEE $ - $ - APPLICATION FEE $ - $ 8,981.25 ESCROW DEPOSITS: $ - $ 28,434.75 CONNECTION FEE - $ - $ 1,195,249.94 METERS $ 346.25 $ 49,788.75 MISC AMOUNT $ 6,262.97 $ 18,252.24 INTEREST $ 1,957.66 $ 17,512.50 TOTAL RECEIPTS: $ 485,170.46 $ 3,988,616.38 DISBURSEMENTS: $ 895,175.97 $ 3,596,257.70 TOTAL: $7,702,633.49 $7,702,633.49 CITY BUDGET BEGINNING BALANCE: $ 2,757,248.79 $ 2,757,248.79 CASH ON HAND $ 300.00 $ 300.00 $ 2,757,548.79 $ 2,757,548.79 LICENSES: /LIQUOR AMUSEMENT-RAFFLE $ - $ 23,148.00 FEES & PERMITS: $ 1,110.00 $ 85,699.02 RENTALS: $ 17,481.46 $ 196,383.43 FINES & COSTS - MUNICPAL COURT $ 6,260.92 $ 80,836.56 INTEREST ON INVESTMENTS $ 691.50 $ 8,610.61 REGISTRAR $ 410.00 $ 9,198.00 INTERLOCAL GOVERNMENT FIELDSBORO $ 2,627.00 $ 23,643.00 PAYMENT IN LIEU TAXES $ - $ 73,041.95 MRNA $ 81.95 $ 11,524.26 HOTEL TAX $ 16,550.97 $ 105,576.54 2022 STATE AID ERT $ 60,400.35 $ 372,983.10 TAX COLLECTOR $ 872,714.79 $ 9,089,053.69 TOTAL: $ 978,328.94 $ 10,079,698.16 DISBURSEMENTS: $ 860,954.22 $ 9,434,781.00 TOTAL: $ 2,874,923.51 $ 2,874,923.51 Mayor Sciortino, read the Tax Collector’s Report for the months ending September 30 and October 31, 2022, as follows: Commission Meeting November 14, 2022 2  Mayor Sciortino presented Resolution 2022-143 for adoption and approval as follows: CITY OF BORDENTOWN RESOLUTION 2022-143 RESOLUTION APPROVING THE PAYMENT OF BILLS BE IT RESOLVED this 14th day of November 2022 that the following purchases, contracts or agreements for the performance of any work or the furnishing or hiring of materials or supplies, which have either been awarded after competitive bidding, or are exempt from competitive bidding, or the cost or price of which, together with any other sums expended for the performance of any work or services in connection with the same immediate program, undertaking, activity or project, or the furnishing of similar materials or supplies during the same fiscal year paid with or out of public funds which does not or will not exceed the total sum of $44,000 in the current fiscal year, or in the case of purchases that are not annually recurring, in a period of one (1) year, be and the same are hereby approved for payment by the City of Bordentown. Commission Meeting November 14, 2022 3 Commission Meeting November 14, 2022 4  Mayor Sciortino moved the adoption and approval of Resolution 2022-143, seconded by Deputy Mayor Myers. Motion carried with all Commissioners present voting in the affirmative. Mayor Sciortino presented Resolution 2022-144 for adoption and approval as follows: CITY OF BORDENTOWN RESOLUTION 2022-144 WATER UTILITY PAYMENT PLAN FOR BLOCK 14.02, LOT 5 522 ROUTE 206, TRENTON, NJ 08610 LOCATED IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF BORDENTOWN TOWNSHIP, NEW JERSEY 08505 WATER ACCOUNT NUMBER 2560 WHEREAS, the owner of 522 Route 206, Trenton, NJ 08610, located in the Municipality of Bordentown Township, NJ 08505 has requested a payment plan for Water for the balance of 2021 and 2022 delinquent balances, as well as estimated water billings for the duration of the payment plan due to the New Jersey Governor’s Executive Order 103; and WHEREAS, the property owner has spoken with the Tax Collector and agreed upon a payment schedule that encompasses all open charges; and WHEREAS, the principal payment schedule is attached to this resolution and shall take effect on November 14, 2022; and WHEREAS, the property owner agrees to pay all current utility charges, or it will void the conditions of the payment plan; and WHEREAS, the payment plan was discussed with the property owner before it was finalized, and the Administrator recommends its approval; and WHEREAS, a copy of this Resolution and attached payment schedule are to be given to the Tax Collector for distribution to all interested parties. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Commissioners of the City of Bordentown, County of Burlington, State of New Jersey, that the attached payment schedule is hereby approved with the terms stated therein. Commission Meeting November 14, 2022 5  Mayor Sciortino moved the adoption and approval of Resolution 2022-144, seconded by Commissioner Lynch. Motion carried with all Commissioners present voting in the affirmative. Mayor Sciortino presented Ordinance 2022-17 Providing For Certain Offices In The City Of Bordentown And For Establishing Rates of Compensation And Period For Payment Of Same for First Reading. Second Reading and Hearing will be held on December 12, 2022. Mayor Sciortino moved the approval of Ordinance 2022-17 on First Reading, seconded by Commissioner Lynch. } Jennifer L. Sciortino Nays} Roll Call: Ayes} Joseph D. Myers Abstain} } James E. Lynch, Jr. Absent} Mayor Sciortino thanked the Veteran’s Memorial Committee for all their effort and hard work to bring us an amazing Veterans’ Gala for 2022. Mayor Sciortino then discussed of the 2022 Best Practices Inventory submission by Margret M. Peak, Chief Financial Officer. This is an inventory of questions regarding the policies and practices of municipalities throughout the State which is completed each year and scored by the State according to the answers given. The scores then determine how your state aid monies are distributed whether in full payment of the calculated amount or a lesser percentage based upon the BPI score. The City’s submission scored at a 33 and will receive its full share of State Aid. Mayor Sciortino thanked the Chief Finance Officer and City Hall Staff for their assistance on this. There were no questions or comments from the Public regarding the Best Practices Inventory. DEPUTY MAYOR MYERS, DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC PROPERTY, STREETS AND WATER Deputy Mayor Myers, Director of Public Property, Streets and Water, presented Resolution 2022-145 for adoption and approval as follows: CITY OF BORDENTOWN RESOLUTION 2022-145 BE IT RESOLVED this 14th day of November 2022, by the Board of Commissioners of the City of Bordentown that the following final change order be and the same is hereby approved and authorized: CONTRACT 2022 Fire Hydrant Replacement Program CHANGE ORDER NO. Final - Change Order No. 1 CONTRACTOR Lima Charlie Construction 649 Mattison Ave., Suite 102 Asbury Park NJ 07712 AMOUNT OF ORIGINAL CONTRACT Commission Meeting November 14, 2022 6 $ 314,400.00 AMOUNT OF CHANGE ORDER Decrease: ($ 41,200.00) TOTAL AMOUNT OF CONTRACT TO DATE $ 273,200.00 REASON FOR CHANGE ORDER Final adjustment as built Quantities/Contract Costs. Allowance 6” Insertion valve, allowance of uniformed police controls, an allowance for unanticipated work at owner’s discretion Deputy Mayor Myers moved the adoption and approval of Resolution 2022-145, seconded by Commissioner Lynch. Motion carried with all Commissioners present voting in the affirmative. Deputy Mayor Myers presented Resolution 2022-146 for adoption and approval as follows: CITY OF BORDENTOWN RESOLUTION 2022-146 RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF BORDENTOWN, IN THE COUNTY OF BURLINGTON, STATE OF NEW JERSEY RELEASING THE 2% RETAINAGE WITH FINAL CERTIFICATE PAYMENT #2 TO LIMA CHARLIE CONSTRUCTION IN CONNECTION WITH THE 2022 FIRE HYDRANT REPLACEMENT PROGRAM WHEREAS, the City of Bordentown (the “City”) has caused an inspection to be made of the 2022 Fire Hydrant Replacement Program (the “Improvements”) installed by Lima Charlie Construction (the “Developer”) for the City; and WHEREAS, the engineer to the City has recommended the release of the Final Certificate Payment #2 and the associated 2% retainage for the Improvements constructed. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED this 14th day of November 2022 by the Board of Commissioners of the City of Bordentown, in the County of Burlington, State of New Jersey as follows: 1. The release of the associated 2% retainage in the amount of $23,030.00 as the Final Certificate Payment #2 to Lima Charlie Construction is hereby authorized. Deputy Mayor Myers moved the adoption and approval of Resolution 2022-146, seconded by Mayor Sciortino. Motion carried with all Commissioners present voting in the affirmative. Deputy Mayor Myers presented Ordinance 2022-16 An Ordinance Amending Chapter 264 Of The Code Entitled “Water” for First Reading. Second Reading and Hearing will be held on December 12, 2022. Deputy Mayor Myers moved the approval of Ordinance 2022-16 on First Reading, seconded by Commissioner Lynch. } Jennifer L. Sciortino Nays} Roll Call: Ayes} Joseph D. Myers Abstain} } James E. Lynch, Jr. Absent} Deputy Mayor Myers, Director of Public Property, Streets and Water, echoed the sentiments of the Mayor regarding the Veterans’ Gala this year as well as announcing that the City’s Green Team had succeeded in receiving Silver Certification under the Sustainable Jersey Program and were once again awarded the Sustainability Champion Award for small size (up to 4,999) municipalities. This award recognizes the municipality that has achieved the highest number of points in this population category. Deputy Mayor Myers also commented on the following:  Bordentown Arts Club had a showing at the Yacht Club that was open to the public, he thanked Leon Stanley, Vince Schino, and Jennifer Leto for a great job; fundraiser for projects in 2023  Currently updating the Water Department Asset Management Plan, noting that in completing the 2022 Fire Hydrant Replacement Program this year, it was found that one of the oldest fire hydrants was dated 1884.  Union Street construction is substantially complete, this was one challenging project, he thanked the residents for their patience and support stating that we just need to complete the remaining items on the punch list  Explained that Ordinance 2022-16 introduced this evening represents a 6% increase on rates of consumption but that in looking at other municipal water rates, Bordentown still remains one of the lowest and on par with others. COMMISSIONER LYNCH, DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC SAFETY AND AFFAIRS Commissioner Lynch, Director of Public Safety and Affairs, gave the Police Report detailing the activities of the Department from October 6 to November 10, 2022. Commissioner Lynch moved the approval of a Blue Light Permit Application for: William E. Jannell (Consolidated Fire Assoc.), seconded by Deputy Mayor Myers. Motion carried with all Commissioners present voting in the affirmative. Commissioner Lynch moved the approval of the Application of Membership in the NJ State Firemen’s Association for Richard T. Brettell of Consolidated Fire Association, seconded by Mayor Sciortino. Motion carried. Commissioner Lynch presented Resolution 2022-147 for adoption and approval as follows: CITY OF BORDENTOWN RESOLUTION 2022-147 AUTHORIZING THE SUBMISSION OF AN APPLICATION FOR “2022 DRIVE SOBER OR GET PULLED OVER YEAR END HOLIDAY CRACKDOWN” TO THE NJ DEPARTMENT OF LAW & PUBLIC SAFETY Commission Meeting November 14, 2022 7  DIVISION OF HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY WHEREAS, impaired driving remains a significant issue, both in New Jersey and nationally; and WHEREAS, for the five-year period 2016-2022 the state experienced approximately 33,798 alcohol involved crashes, resulting in 662 fatalities; and WHEREAS, it is important to recognize and address the dangers posed by drivers under the influence of illicit drugs and prescription medications. After four consecutive annual increases, the State experienced a 9.2 % decline in drug involved driving crashes, overall crash totals declined 30.7 % during that year, indicating that drug impaired driving decreased at a much lower pace. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Commissioners of the City of Bordentown that it does hereby authorize the application and submission of the 2022 Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over Year End Holiday Crackdown by the Bordentown City Police Department between December 2, 2022 and January 1, 2023. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board of Commissioners fully commits to the understandings and assurances as well as the institutional, managerial, and financial capability to ensure proper planning, management and completion of the project described in the Grant application. Commissioner Lynch moved the adoption and approval of Resolution 2022-147, seconded by Deputy Mayor Myers. Motion carried with all Commissioners present voting in the affirmative. Commissioner Lynch presented Resolution 2022-148 for adoption and approval as follows: CITY OF BORDENTOWN RESOLUTION 2022-148 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF (1) 2022 FORD UTILITY INTERCEPTOR HYBIRD VEHICLE AND THE ACQUISITION OF ALL EQUIPMENT AND PERFORMANCE OF ALL WORK NECESSARY THEREFOR AND INCIDENTAL THERETO FOR THE PURCHASE OF SAID VEHICLE UNDER STATE CONTRACT #20-FLEET-01189 IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED: $ 47,482.00 WHEREAS, the Board of Commissioners of the City of Bordentown wish to purchase (1) 2022 Ford Utility Interceptor Hybrid Vehicle including all equipment and performance of all work necessary for the purchase of said vehicle; and WHEREAS, funds are available for this purpose; and WHEREAS, pursuant to Local Public Contracts Law, N.J.S.A. 40A:11-12, any local contracting unit may without advertising for bids, purchase any goods or services under any contract or contracts for such goods or services entered into on behalf of the State of New Jersey, Division of Purchase and Property in the Department of Treasury; and WHEREAS, the Board of Commissioners of the City of Bordentown wish to award said contract for the total amount of $47,482.00 to Cherry Hill Winner Ford, 250 Berlin Road, Cherry Hill, NJ 08034. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Commissioners of the City of Bordentown does hereby award a contract for the Purchase of (1) 2022 Ford Utility Interceptor Hybrid Vehicle to Cherry Hill Winner Ford, 250 Berlin Road, Cherry Hill NJ, 08034; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED the Mayor and City Clerk are hereby authorized and directed to execute any and all contracts and related documents with Cherry Hill Winner Ford necessary to award and complete the Contract. Any and all contracts and related documents necessary to award and complete the contract should be in a form acceptable to the City Solicitor. Mayor Sciortino moved the adoption and approval of Resolution 2022-148, seconded by Deputy Mayor Myers. } Jennifer L. Sciortino Nays} Roll Call: Ayes} Joseph D. Myers Abstain} James E. Lynch, Jr. } Absent} Commissioner Lynch discussed the Veterans’ Gala noting that it was well attended and thanked the Veterans’ Committee for all their hard work. He mentioned this was the last year for Christopher Hofrichter, who was appointed to the Committee in 2010 and was a strong presence on the Committee and in the community. He continued stating that Chris was a Chief Master Sergeant in the US Air Force who recently retired, and he and his family now reside in Chesterfield Twp. He had a special proclamation presented to Chris at the Gala and wished he and his family nothing but the best, stating Chesterfield Twp. is fortunate now to have him as a resident and wished him best of luck and Godspeed. Mayor Sciortino opened the meeting for public comment. Kathy Dawson addressed the Commissioners with several questions and/or issues: a. asked about the use of City property for events, example Yoga classes being held at Old City Hall with there being a fee for the class questioning why they could be profit making referring back to earlier conversations where she was informed that profit making individuals and businesses could not use City property for this purpose. Response: City Clerk explained that a percentage of the charge for the class is being donated to Old City Hall. Old City Hall is set up in the Code to allow for fundraising and permitting the Yoga business to use Old City Hall falls in line with the fundraising aspect for Old City Hall. b. when did the city approve a store to sell cannabis? Referring to the new Happy Head Smoke Shop on Rt. 206 at the shopping center. Response: Commissioners stated Happy Head Smoke Shop is not selling cannabis, they are a smoke shop. c. how come no one knew about the art show at the yacht club, was that a profit/nonprofit event? Response: Commissioners informed Ms. Dawson that the show was not hosted by the City and was not responsible for the advertising of the event. Leon Stanley, Chair of the Bordentown Arts Committee (on Zoom) stated that it was an invitation only private event. d. has anyone reviewed the Planning Board Survey data, it appears that sidewalks are an issue throughout the city and improvements to walkways and making new pathways in the city. Response: Commissioners advised that each year the city does a sidewalk program with sidewalks evaluated to determine those in need of priority repair. This program and how many repairs we can do each year is predicated on available monies in the budget as stated by Mayor Sciortino. Commissioner Lynch Commission Meeting November 14, 2022 8  stated that the City has spent a significant amount of money over the years in the continuance of the sidewalk program. Deputy Mayor Myers added that monies are allocated each year but with changes in the laws, it has become difficult to find small contractors to quote on the jobs. The State has implemented laws that contractors with an apprentice program are eligible to quote/bid on municipal work. We are looking into improving and applying for grant funds to help improve our pathways and make new ones. Commissioner Lynch also added that the City can do aesthetic improvements to the waterfront (beach) but no structures can be erected due to the need to be mindful of the marshlands. Jim Heupel expressed his concern about the 4-way stop at Farnsworth Avenue and Park Street. He stated there was a pedestrian walking their dog in the crosswalk and they were struck by a vehicle, luckily the pedestrian was not badly injured, however, the dog did not survive. He further stated he has witnessed motorists speeding on Park Street in front of Laura’s Salon, running the 4-way stop and now there is an electric billboard blocking the view of the Stop Sign as you approach Farnsworth Avenue. He concerned that another incident may occur and if there were more that can be done. He offered to allow patrol officers to sit in the salon parking lot to see/catch motorists in action. Response: Commissioner Lynch stated he would speak with the Chief to see if they can work on some ways to further address the intersection and speeding. There were no further questions or comments, and Mayor Sciortino closed the public portion of the meeting. With no further business to conduct, Mayor Sciortino moved for adjournment, seconded by Commissioner Lynch. Motion carried. ATTEST: ADJOURNED, CITY CLERK COMMISSIONERS Commission Meeting November 14, 2022 9