Board of Commissioners

BORDENTOWN, NEW JERSEY SEPTEMBER 09, 2024 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 Acting City Clerk Jennifer M. Smith followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Acting City Clerk Jennifer M. Smith read for the record the Open Public Meetings Notice that adequate notice of the meeting had been given in the form of annual notice, adopted by the Governing Body, which was immediately posted upon the City’s Clerk’s Office, Bordentown City Hall and disseminated within seven (7) days of passage to the Burlington County Times and the Times of Trenton. The following named Commissioners answered the roll call: Mayor Jennifer L. Sciortino, Deputy Mayor Joseph D. Myers and Commissioner Heather Cheesman. Mayor Sciortino moved the approval of the minutes of the Commission Meeting August 12, 2024 seconded by Deputy Mayor Myers. Motion carried. The Acting City Clerk presented the following Event for Approval: The Acting City Clerk presented the following Events for Approval: 1. Old Town Pub – Oktoberfest @ Municipal Parking Lot September 21, 2024 – Hours 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM - Rain Date September 22, 2024 2. Food Truck Permit #006 – Phat Jawns @ Tindall Road Brewery September 14, 2024 – Hours 4:00M – 9:00 PM 3. Consolidated Fire Association – 2024 Halloween Parade October 27, 2024 – Hours 2:00 PM – 4:30 PM - Rain Date - November 3, 2024 4. Bordentown Walking Tours – Oktoberfest Pub Crawl Route OTP to Marcello’s to Tindall Road Brewery September 28, 2024- Hours 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM – No Rain Date 5. Bordentown Walking Tours – Halloween Pub Crawl Route Marcello’s to HOB to Tindall Road Brewery October 26, 2024- Hours 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM – No Rain Date Mayor Sciortino moved the approval of the communications, seconded by Deputy Mayor Myers. Motion carried. MAYOR SCIORTINO, DIRECTOR OF REVENUE AND FINANCE Mayor Sciortino, Director of Revenue and Finance presented the following Proclamation: Mayor Sciortino, Director of Revenue and Finance, read the Treasurer’s Report for the month ending August 31, 2024, as follows: Mayor Sciortino read the Tax Collector’s Report for the month ending August 31, 2024, as follows:  Mayor Sciortino presented Resolution 2024-101 for adoption and approval as follows: CITY OF BORDENTOWN RESOLUTION 2024-101 RESOLUTION APPROVING THE PAYMENT OF BILLS BE IT RESOLVED this 9th day of September 2024 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 September 9, 2024 2 Commission Meeting September 9, 2024 3  . . Commission Meeting September 9, 2024 4  Mayor Sciortino moved the adoption and approval of Resolution 2024-101, seconded by Deputy Mayor Myers. Motion carried with all Commissioners present voting in the affirmative. Mayor Sciortino presented Resolution 2024-102 for adoption and approval as follows: CITY OF BORDENTOWN RESOLUTION 2024-102 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Commissioners of the City of Bordentown that The Bank of Princeton be designated as the official depository for the following accounts: xxxx6674 Lead Base Paint Abatement Account That all checks drawn on these accounts be signed by two of the three Commissioners, the Chief Finance Officer, and in the absence of a Commissioner or the Chief Financial Officer, the Acting City Clerk be permitted as per signature cards on file with The Bank of Princeton. Mayor Sciortino moved the adoption and approval of Resolution 2024-102, seconded by Deputy Mayor Myers. Motion carried with all Commissioners present voting in the affirmative. Mayor Sciortino made the following Committee appointments: Shade Tree Committee: Dean Sassman Term Expiring December 31, 2026 Heather Raine Term Expiring December 31, 2026 Elliot Cook Term Expiring December 31, 2026 OCH Restoration Committee: Karen Brisson Term Expiring December 31, 2025 Bordentown Trails Advisory Committee: Steve Lederman Term Expiring May 31, 2025 Mayor Sciortino welcomed and thanked them for volunteering. Mayor Sciortino passed along a message from Dr. Trudy A. Atkins, Superintendent of Bordentown Regional School District, that she greatly appreciates everyone’s patience at the moment as construction is still going on Crosswicks Street. Mayor Sciortino advised that the next Commission Meeting falls on a holiday and has been rescheduled to Tuesday, October 8, 2024. DEPUTY MAYOR MYERS, DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC PROPERTY, STREETS AND WATER Deputy Mayor Myers, Director of Public Property, Streets and Water read the Water Report for the month ending August 31, 2024, as follows: Commission Meeting September 9, 2024 5  Deputy Mayor Myers presented Resolution 2024-103 for adoption and approval as follows: CITY OF BORDENTOWN RESOLUTION 2024-103 WHEREAS, it is necessary to obtain bids for the remediation removal of the offsite properties located at 77, 83 and 85 Mary Street; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Board of Commissioners of the City of Bordentown that the City Clerk be and is hereby authorized to advertise for bids for the following: Remediation Removal at 77, 83 and 85 Mary Street Bordentown NJ 08505 Deputy Mayor Myers moved the adoption and approval of Resolution 2024-103, seconded by Mayor Sciortino. Motion carried with all Commissioners present voting in the affirmative. Deputy Mayor Myers discussed that Ordinance 2024-12 An Ordinance Providing for Improvements to Buildings and Related Expenses Appropriating $355,000 and Providing For Issuance of $337,250 in General Improvement Bonds or Notes to Finance Same for First Reading has been moved to the October 8, 2024 meeting. Deputy Mayor Myers presented Ordinance 2024-13 An Ordinance Of The City Of Bordentown, In The County Of Burlington, New Jersey, Providing For Capital Improvements To The Water System And Related Expenses In And For The City, And Appropriating $1,200,000 Therefor, And Providing For The Issuance Of $1,200,000 In Water Utility Bonds Or Notes Of The City Of Bordentown To Finance The Same And Repealing Bond Ordinance 2024-08 for First Reading. Second Reading and Hearing will be held on October 8, 2024. Mayor Sciortino moved the approval of Ordinance 2024-13 on First Reading, seconded by Deputy Mayor Myers. } Jennifer L. Sciortino Nays} Roll Call: Ayes} Joseph D. Myers Abstain} } Heather Cheesman Absent} Deputy Mayor Myers, read his Public Works/Water Utility Update Reports for September 9, 2024, as follows: September 9, 2024 Update Bordentown City – Public Property, Streets, and Water Joe Myers: jmyers@cityofbordentown.com and/or 609-556-7837 Highlights: (a) City will be mobilizing later this month to repave Carpenter, Leyden, Myrtle, Borden, and Hopkinson. (b) City is continuing to implement its corrective action plan and investing in the water plant. (c) PSEG underground gas main construction continues (PSEG Hotline for questions is 833-661-6400); (d) Sidewalk repairs (just like snow removal) are the responsibility of the private property owner (except for the shade tree commission and water department/repairs); and (e) The water department will be updating its asset management plan (reappropriating water improvements at the water plan). If anyone wants more information about the plan, meters, or priority projects, please call our water department at 609-298-0604 or look online at the city website. 1. Roadways a. Pine & Vernon: Drainage work completed. No ponding. b. Maintenance bond phase: Second, West, Oliver, Union, and Brooks. c. PSEG Gas Upgrades: gas construction is underway. d. NJDOT Application (1 of 4): Notices will go out this week to affected property owners (along Carpenter, Leyden, Myrtle, Borden, and Hopkinson) because mobilization will be later this month. e. NJDOT Application (2 of 4): The City was awarded a grant for the repaving segments of Burlington and Prince Streets. Field surveying is done. Commission Meeting September 9, 2024 6  f. NJDOT (3 of 4): The City was awarded design funds from NJDOT for streetscape improvement along Park Street. The city has a kickoff with the county next week. g. NJDOT (4 of 4): The City was awarded $217,000 for repaving funds for Elizabeth Street (community outreach and design will be this summer and construction in 2025). City also applied for additional funds in June. 2. Projects a. Parks/Recreational Facilities: i. Oliver Street Park: Working on the punchlist. ii. Second Street Park: Working on the punchlist. iii. West/Borden City Lot: Community outreach is next. iv. Ann Street: Presenting a resolution to authorize advertisement for bids 3. Water Department: a. Water sampling is complete – no exceedances. b. Water Plant Upgrades: New equipment is installed and Wells 1 is almost complete and operational (one more week). c. Leak detection services: The consultant completed this survey throughout the entire distribution system and the department is working on the identified leaks. d. Mandatory water use restrictions: City will be meeting with the state this week. e. Emergency Interconnection: This was set up and the city used this temporary connection in Hamilton for 36 hours. f. New Water Meters (I-Bank funding): There are approximately 100 meters left to be installed so the focus is on these non-responsive owners COMMISSIONER CHEESMAN, DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC SAFETY AND AFFAIRS In the absence of Commissioner Cheesman, Director of Public Safety and Affairs, Police Chief Shaun L. Lafferty read the Police Report detailing the activities of the Department from August 6 to September 4, 2024. In the absence of Commissioner Cheesman, Mayor Sciortino read the Housing Report for the month ending August 31, 2024, as follows: Commissioner Cheesman presented Ordinance 2024-11 Amending Chapter 258 Of The Code Of The City Of Bordentown, Entitled, “Vehicles And Traffic” for Second Reading. Mayor Sciortino opened the Hearing on Ordinance 2024-11 for public comment. Hearing no questions or comments from the public, Mayor Sciortino closed the Hearing for Ordinance 2024-11. Commissioner Cheesman moved the adoption of Ordinance 2024-11 on Second Reading, seconded by Deputy Mayor Myers. } Jennifer L. Sciortino Nays} Roll Call: Ayes} Joseph D. Myers Abstain} } Heather Cheesman Absent} Commissioner Cheeseman discussed the following:  Thanked Special Officer, Pete Sedor and Police Chief, Shaun Lafferty for their continuous efforts staying up with handicapped parking spots  Construction with the Police Department is coming along, ran into clay while digging up the parking lot and some inside demolishing, hopeful to get a better time frame of completeness soon  Elections are November 5, if you Vote By Mail you should be receiving ballots soon  Thanked Al Barker for being a part of the community Mayor Sciortino opened the meeting for public comment. Judy Craig stated that the new city website is beautiful and over the past couple of weeks she has been busy getting everything set up for the NexTrex Recycling Challenge. There are recycling bins located at City Hall, Smires & Associates and at the meter shop where we are reusing the pizza box donation bins, she thanked Public Works for there help. Mayor Sciortino thanked her and advised to anyone who hasn’t checked out the new website, they should and there is an app you can download as well through your google play store on your cell phone. Cathy Elliot-Shaw discussed with the help from Jim Heupel they were able to assemble two cigarette butt receptacles, located at the John Bull Monument and across from the Veterans Memorial. The Green Team is participating in the Cigarette Butt Recycling Program with TerraCycle. For every pound of cigarette waste collected TerraCycle will donate Commission Meeting September 9, 2024 7 $1.00 to Keep American Beautiful. She further discussed that the weeds that were spreading aggressively at Second Street Park have been cut now for the second time, which should help stop from spreading. Lastly, she announced that on Saturday, September28, 2024 from 9AM – 12PM is Community Paper Spreading at the Bordentown Township Public Works building. Ed Foley IV gave kudos to the Bordentown City Police Department and Burlington County Sheriff's Department who helped recover a stolen scooter from Miles Avenue off the River Line. He then announced that there will be a small 9/11 ceremony at City Hall on September 11, 2024 at 6PM. Shaun Lafferty, Chief of Police commented that just recently the Burlington County Sheriff Department has started special patrols at the Rive Line to help improve public safety and assist local police. The department received a $150,000 grant from Senator Singleton’s office. In addition, if requested these officers can assist with transporting suspects to the Burlington County Detention Center which will help save time and allow our officers to get back to work. Liz Aubrey suggested the River Line ought to consider hiring a conductor to ensure tickets are purchased. Katy McGowan asked for clarification for the event approval for the Consolidated Fire Association, 2024 Halloween Parade also included the Scarecrow Contest. Jennifer M. Smith, Acting City Clerk stated yes, that includes the Scarecrow Contest. Stacey Stockton addressed the commissioners with his concern of improper marking of a handicap spot located on Crosswicks Street, he explained that there is no indication that is a handicapped spot had previously received a ticket for parking there. The Police Department is not responsible for this it is the County because it is a County Road, I’m hopeful that this will be resolved. Chief Lafferty stated that he is aware of this and has reached out to the County and Public Works Department. CJ Mugavero agreed Mr. Stockton’s that unfortunately people do not realize it is a handicap spot and there is no sign present. Zolton Erdos stated he has some concerns about the upcoming remediation removal since he resides at 85 Mary Street. Deputy Mayor Myers commented that once he meets with the engineer they will meet with each property owner to discuss the details. Jim Heupel asked if there were any updates on the Farnsworth Avenue Bridge. Mayor Sciortino advised that she has not heard any updates, but hopeful to receive a proposal before Halloween. He then asked, what did the city make on the 2nd quarter cannabis taxes. Mayor Sciortino advised that is was $60,000. Dan Aubery announced on Sunday, October 13, 2024 from 12:00PM – 6:00PM at Old City Hall there the will be a presentation All Aboard Bordentown Railroad with Pierre LeCombe present. Cathy Elliot-Shaw announced the Green Team will be accepting donations of old Halloween costumes at the Farmer’s Market this Sunday from 9:00AM – 1:00PM. With no further business to conduct, Mayor Sciortino moved for adjournment, seconded by Deputy Mayor Myers. Motion carried. ATTEST: ADJOURNED, ACTING CITY CLERK COMMISSIONERS Commission Meeting September 9, 2024 8