Board of Commissioners

BORDENTOWN, NEW JERSEY JULY 30, 2024 The Special Meeting of the Board of Commissioners was held at Carslake Community Center, 207 Crosswicks Street at 7:00 PM. The Special Meeting was called to order by Mayor Jennifer L. Sciortino. The Acting City Clerk read the Sunshine Notice. The following named Commissioners answered the roll call: Mayor Jennifer L. Sciortino, Deputy Mayor Joseph D. Myers and Commissioner Heather Cheesman. The Acting City Clerk presented the following for Approval: Events 1. Food Truck Permit #001 Yooo Cuz LLC @ Tindall Road Brewery August 2, 16 & 30, September 13, 2024 Hours 3:00 PM-9:00 PM 2. Food Truck Permit #002 The Fry Boss LLC @ Tindall Road Brewery August 10, September 28 and October 26, 2024 Hours – 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM Subject to Approval: Burlington County Health Department Fire Marshall MAYOR SCIORTINO, DIRECTOR OF REVENUE AND FINANCE Mayor Sciortino presented for Second Reading and Hearing, Ordinance 2024-10 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF BORDENTOWN, COUNTY OF BURLINGTON, STATE OF NEW JERSEY, AUTHORIZING THE SUBMISSION TO THE VOTERS OF BORDENTOWN CITY AT THE GENERAL ELECTION ON NOVEMBER 5, 2024 A PROPOSITION AUTHORIZING AN ANNUAL LEVY AT THE RATE OF UP TO $0.1 TO $0.4 (CENTS) PER $100.00 OF ASSESSED VALUE OF REAL PROPERTY FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A BORDENTOWN CITY OPEN SPACE, RECREATION, AND HISTORIC PRESERVATION PROGRAM AS PERMITTED BY N.J.S.A. 40:12-15.7 Mayor Sciortino opened the Hearing on Ordinance 2024-10 for public comment. Ms. Katherine Carr of 22 Bank Street asked that if the ordinance was voted on, would it be one cent to four cents and would it never increase over the 4 cents. Mayor Sciortino responded that it would never increase without the residents’ knowledge. Mr. Dan Preston of 418 Prince Street asked how the residents would know that it was being used for the exact purpose of open space and Mayor Sciortino responded that it would be reflected in the budget. Mr. Nathan McMinn of 3 Mary Street asked how much of the 1 cent equates to the taxes and Mayor Sciortino stated that it would be $35,000 per 1 cent and would be used for capital improvements without the City having to borrow.  Deputy Mayor Myers informed the public that the Parks and Recreation Commission was in favor of the open space tax and there was a unanimous consent that they would like to see the priority be to park maintenance. Mr. John Brodowski of 107 Mary Street thanked everyone for putting the issue out to the residents and allowing them to weigh in and added that the open space tax would allow for more grant opportunities and asked if there were requirements for spending and the Board Solicitor stated that there were regulatory requirements on spending. Mr. Bruce Throckmorton of 57 Park Street asked if there was an anticipated budget for the open space tax yet and was informed that the city would need to see if in fact it was voted in favor by the residents. Mr. Mike James of 10 Ann Street stated that he would like to see this type of funding used to bring back the summer youth program. Ms. Cathy Shaw of 3 E Union Street stated that it was a nice segway for comments and was very supportive of the open space tax. Ms. Valerie Sassman of 407 Oliver Street stated that the Gilder House and Old City Hall required a lot of work and would like to see the open space tax used to maintain the historic buildings. Ms. Brook McMinn of 3 Mary Street stated that she was very supportive of the open space tax and everyone should be good stewards of the landscape and architecture. Mr. Sam Surtees of 37 Crosswicks Street asked what percentage of the open space tax would be dedicated for just maintenance and if the Commissioners decided to increase from the 1 cent to 4 cents would it go back to the public, and Mayor Sciortino assured the public that it would not increase without approval by the residents. Ms. Katherine Carr of 22 Bank Street asked if the residents would have to wait for the tax before there would be upgrading to existing parks. Deputy Maor Myers stated that currently there have been upgrades and improvements to the existing parks. Mr. John Brodowski of 107 Mary Street stated that the Environmental Commission would hold informational sessions for groups and advocate to the public. Mayor Sciortino moved the adoption of Ordinance 2024-10 on Second Reading, seconded by Deputy Mayor Myers. } Jennifer L. Sciortino Nays} Roll Call: Ayes} Joseph D. Myers Abstain} } Heather Cheesman Absent} DEPUTY MAYOR MYERS, DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC PROPERTY, STREETS AND WATER Deputy Mayor Myers presented the following report; Bordentown City Water Department, Water Update July 30, 2024  1. Background: a. The water system consists of one plant (off of Route 206), four wells, two storage tanks, and the distribution systems (underground pipes) b. Four wells are the sole source that extracts water for the entire system. c. Two of the four wells are functioning. d. There is currently no interconnection or emergency system. Problem: In 2024, the water system has been having a low-pressure problem 3. Causes for this low-pressure problem include a. Summertime: In reviewing water bills, water usage always increases during the summertime and heat waves. b. Water leaks: Over the past seven months, the water department has experienced large water main breaks and leaks. When there is an underground leak with a pipe in the road, water is lost and unable to travel through the distribution system to everyone's homes and buildings. i. First large leak was in February with the Grainger. (5 million gallons lost) ii. Second leak was last week at Park Street and 206. iii. We still believe there is another water leak in the system. c. May 25th Water Plant Incident: The plant's one well and corresponding three pumps were flooded and not working for an extended period of time. Eventually, the plant was back functioning about twenty hours after the shutdown. d. July 9th electrical problem at the plant e. Combining all these factors has created a situation that has never existed before, resulting in low water pressure because the plant cannot generate sufficient water to refill the two water tanks. (Carslake and Crosswicks) 4. Solutions a. The water department needs to create more supply b. This can be accomplished through two options (both of which are being pursued now): Interconnection and Rehabbing the two other wells at the water plant. 5. Next steps a. Contacting the state to accelerate the approvals for the design and construction work necessary to rehab the other two wells at the plant. i. Emergency declaration for Wells 3 ii. Well 1 rehab (approximately four weeks) b. Negotiating with our neighboring towns to request an interconnection (Bordentown buying water from another town)-hydrant to hydrant connection.  c. Engaging an outside firm to help assess any underground water pipes. (leak detection services) d. Purchasing a portable booster pump for the tanks to increase pressure. Deputy Mayor Myers then asked the public if there were any questions. Ms. Bernadette Chojnacki of 150 Crosswicks Street asked who was responsible for preparing an emergency management plan and will the issue hurt the fire company. Deputy Mayor Myers stated that he was responsible, and an emergency management plan had been created. Ms. Judy Craig of 519 Prince Street stated that her area had not been affected and asked if residents could go to City Hall to get water if the issue with the water pressure continued. Mr. Jim Brimmer of 1 E Union Street stated that he was concerned and if a 2” or 4” would be sufficient for the interconnection. Ms. Maxine Brimmer of 1 E Union Street stated that she was concerned about all the developments in the township, and it could be affecting the water issue and also asked if the master permit states what the capacity of the water plant can handle and could the new developments be able to get water from other sources. Ms. Marguerite Sylvester of 60 Elizabeth Stret asked about the process for notifying the residents and sending off information and if the fire department had a problem would they have enough water pressure. Ms. Sylvester then asked if the old Ocean Spray property was using 1,000,000 gallons a day, was there a way to lease the property. Commissioner Cheesman then added that Sgt. Lynch was appointed as the Office of Emergency Management Coordinator, and he has been working on a new protocol for emergencies. Mr. Dan Preston asked if there is currently a voluntary water conservation plan in place, and if there would eventually be a mandatory water conservation requirement and added that he would like to see a better outreach program. Ms. Cathy Shaw of 3 E Union Street stated that she takes pride that our small community has their own water plant and is grateful for all the information that has been provided which has been helpful and encouraged the residents to install rain gardens to help conserve water. Ms. Maxine Brimmer of 1 E Union Street asked how much water the tanks held and was informed that one tank holds 700,000 gallons and the other tank holds 4,000,000 gallons.  Mr. Dan Aubrey of 418 Prince Street stated that water is a precious resource and to be aware of conserving water. Ms. Judy Craig of 519 Prince Street asked if the residents would still be charged for water usage and if there would possibly be a discount, which Deputy Mayor Myers responded that the matter had not yet been discussed. Ms. Katherine Carr of 22 Bank Street asked how much water the Twp uses vs the City and the Twp rates should be higher, and if the cost of the repairs would be incurred by the City or Township and was informed that the information was not available at this time. Deputy Mayor Myers thanked the residents and added that he does realize that this issue was a huge inconvenience and asked the residents to be patient and conserve water. COMMISSIONER CHEESMAN, DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC SAFETY AND AFFAIRS Commissioner Cheesman had no reports to be presented. With no further business to conduct, Mayor Sciortino moved to adjourn, seconded by Commissioner Cheesman. Motion carried ATTEST: ADJOURNED, CITY CLERK COMMISSIONERS