City Council

UNAPPROVED BOROUGH OF HIGH BRIDGE MAYOR AND BOROUGH COUNCIL Meeting Date: July 17, 2014 CALL TO ORDER: The meeting of the Mayor and Council of the Borough of High Bridge came to order with Mayor Desire, at 7:30 PM on the above date. “Pursuant to the Open Public Meetings Act, notice of 2014 meeting dates was published in the Hunterdon County Democrat on January 9, 2014 and posted on the bulletin board in Borough Hall. The meeting was held in the Fire House, 7 Maryland Ave., High Bridge, NJ. Action may be taken.” Mayor Desire led those present in the salute to the Flag. MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Desire Councilwoman Hughes Councilwoman Miller Councilman Rapp Councilwoman Scarcia Councilman Stemple Councilman Flynn was excused. Attorney Barry Goodman, Administrator John Gregory, Municipal Clerk Diane Seals and six members of the general public and news media were also present. VISITORS: MOTION TO DISPENSE WITH THE READING OF MINUTES OF PRIOR MEETINGS: Councilwoman Miller motioned to dispense with the reading of the Regular and Executive Session Meeting Minutes for June 26, 2014. Councilman Stemple seconded. Roll Call Vote: Hughes, aye; Miller, aye; Rapp, abstain; Scarcia, aye; Stemple, aye. Motion Carried: 4 ayes and 1 abstention. APPROVAL OR CORRECTION OF PRIOR MEETING MINUTES: Councilman Stemple asked that the minutes reflect that he said that the estimation to raise the netting/poles at the Golf Course would be $50,000 to $70,000. Councilman Stemple motioned to approve the Regular and Executive Session Meeting Minutes of June 26, 2014 as amended. Councilwoman Miller seconded. Roll Call Vote: Hughes, aye; Miller, aye; Rapp, abstain; Scarcia, aye; Stemple, abstain. Motion Carried: 4 ayes and 1 abstention. PUBLIC COMMENTS: It is the policy of the Borough Council that all public comments on an issue shall be limited to five (5) minutes per person and no person may make more than one (1) comment per subject. Comments may be made on any subject pertaining to Borough issues. Comments pertaining to Public Hearings should be saved for that portion of the agenda. No debating between residents. Comments should be addressed to Mayor and Council. Brent Dugan said that the flag was not lit in front of the Borough Hall. He brought a box of materials to repair the light and had offered to pay up to $200.00 for an electrician. All materials were made in the US. Dr. Brenden Coughlin asked with regard to Resolution #161-2014, if the UFHA had been consulted on the Steelworkers Trail. The property is owned by Custom Alloy. Dr. Coughlin went on to ask if the Administrator will receive the same pay rate after taking the Clerk’s Courses and stated that the salaries should be separate. Administrator Gregory stated that the salary has not been determined yet. Dr. Coughlin asked if the generator for Solitude Village water tank was portable and what procedure will be put in place for its use. There is an automatic alarm system that alerts the Water Superintendent. Dr. Coughlin asked why 3 million from water and sewer was used to purchase the Catanzariti property and why isn’t the golf course paying for water and sewer. And lastly, Dr. Coughlin wanted to know about two tax bills that he received. Due to his tax appeal there was an adjusted bill. Sally Ward said she has been trying to attend all the events in the Borough and is thankful for the work that Councilwomen Hughes and Miller and Mr. Miller have done. The Borough is a beautiful town where everyone knows everyone and they work with a positive point of view. COUNCIL COMMITTEE AND SPECIAL ASSIGNMENT: Monthly report June 26, 2014 Councilman Flynn: PLANNING & ENGINEERING Administrator Gregory reported: 1. Base coat has been put down on Cregar Rd. Catch basins are high until the final coat next Friday. 2. Waiting for the drilling reports for the new Borough Hall. 3. Streetscape is being planned. Met with DOT. 4. Solitude Village water system take over will be discussed in Executive Session Councilwoman Hughes: PUBLIC HEALTH, ENVIRONMENTAL, SOLID WASTE/RECYCLING, OPEN SPACE ENVIRONMENTAL: 1. Continue to hold Arbor/Earth Day activities, planting and weeding in April and holding two Assemblies. 2. Continue to support Community Day and invited HART to set up a table. 3. Rain Barrel Garden is on hold. 4. Updated EC brochure for the Welcome Wagon 5. Main St. planters, Police Station and Union Forge were planted. 1 6. Secured a grant for repairs to the Gazebo at Union Forge. 7. Received a grant to plant around McDonald St. parking lot. 8. Continue to do “History of Open Spaces” for the newsletter. 9. Met with Recreation regarding the placement of “Red Bud” trees. 10. Continue Stormwater Management awareness through articles on the web and newsletter and participate in the River Clean-up. 11. Trying to have “Bike Rodeo”. 12. Sponsoring the “Open Air Market”. 13. PTO has received a grant for fencing for the School vegetable garden. PUBLIC HEALTH: 1. Continue to sponsor the Annual Free Rabies Clinic, which was held on March 29th. 2. Continue to be the Shelter Coordinator for the OEM. 3. Working with HART on Safe Routes to School. SOLID WASTE/RECYCLING: 1. Solid Waste and Recycling specs are going out. 2. Sponsored an Electronics Recycling, Document Shredding, and Rigid Plastic events. 3. Have placed an E-container at the Commons. 4. Continue to purchase cigarette butt receptacles. Councilwoman Scarcia: INFORMATION, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, CULTURAL & HERITAGE & EVENTS NEWSLETTER/INFORMATION: 1. Worked to reduce cost by 40-50%, using a new service. The former web master did a great job. 2. Looking to reduce the number of pages in the newsletter. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: 1. Added two new members, Kristen Poe and Linda Gretta. Linda is working on the Streetscape plan. Kristen is working on researching Green Acres properties and what can be done with them. 2. Have not given up on a bike shop at the Commons. 3. Will be holding a Small Business Seminar with the HBBA in October. 4. Attended the NJTransit Rail Coalition, looking to have more weekend runs. 5. Held a High Bridge Business Appreciation Day at the Commons, made new contacts. Lots of people use the trail. 6. There are lots of great people on the Committee and glad to be on it. RECREATION: 1. Successfully into the second week of Summer Recreation program. 2. Continue to support youth soccer and basketball. Chairman Gary Mills is very active teaching the coaches. 3. Continue to support the events and supply popcorn and snow cones, hot chocolate and cookies. 4. There is no 5 year plan, just on going. 5. Evaluate ways to increase funds. 6. Reached out to school for rentals 7. Recruited Program Director. 8. DPW have been doing the park maintenance, pleased with condition and room for improvement. 9. Worked with EC on Gazebo improvements, painting party in August. 10. Replaced mulch on playground. 11. Developed Turf management specs, a committee member is certified in weed control 12. Have a crossing sign for Washington Ave. 13. Kids Lacrosse would need field space. 14. There are opportunities from discount tickets for zoos and parks. 15. Organized a night at the “Somerset Patriots” with a BBQ and fireworks. Councilwoman Miller: EMERGENCY SERVICES, EDUCATION & MUNICIPAL COURT POLICE: RESCUE SQUAD: 1. There is moister in the building, working on a resolution. 2. Meetings and learning continue. FIRE DEPARTMENT: 1. Annual Picnic is on July 26th. 2. New ladder truck has arrived and the old truck was sold. EDUCATION: COURT: OFFICE OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT: CULTURAL & HERITAGE: 1. Visiting sites, developing education outreach program. 2. The Solitude House was readied to be opened for the 300th County Anniversary with a Fire Department display and a blacksmith. EVENTS: 1. Consolidated the fund raising process with a letter of menu of options. 2. “CB Radio” opened the concert series, 300 attended, and a hot air balloon landed in the Commons. 3. The “Boonescuttle5” concert will be on July 19th, “New Road Band” will be on July 26th and “Long Hill String Band” will finish the series on August 16th. 4. Community Day, Plein Air and Halloween Parade are yet to come. 2 Councilman Rapp: DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS & RECREATION PUBLIC WORKS: 1. Five basins were planned to be repaired, 4 basins have been repaired, brought up to State specs. 2. Shared Services with the school for paving, plowing, equipment loan, and repairs. 3. Chip and Seal on Mill St. and Wilson Ave as a maintenance measure. RECREATION: SWAC: Councilman Stemple: FINANCE & GOLF FINANCE: 1. The Budget was prepared and sent to the State on time. 2. Had first meeting with PBA on Tuesday. 3. Looking for cost savings for 2015. Administrator Gregory has already saved the Borough a lot for 2015. GOLF: 1. Friday July 11th was “Family Fun Night”, the debut of “Foot Golf”, which 30 people attended. There was an instructional video first. August 22nd and September 19th will be more Fun Nights. Jay is looking for more ways to use the course, children’s parties, “Foot Golf.” 2. June was a good month. Revenue exceeded Budget with $6,500.00 YTD $96,000 below budget on Revenue versus $71,000 last year. Income almost $9,000.00 above Budget. Almost $5,000.00 ahead of last year on net income. YTD $56,000.00 below Budget. $19,000.00 ahead of last year $19,000 ahead of last year. Need good weekends. 3. Met with Jay regarding golf balls on private property. Netting at 75’ could cost $45,000 or at 100’ could cost as much as $75,000. Need to determine the proper placement of the net. John Gregory: ADMINISTRATORS REPORT Administrative Goals • Review all operations to ensure they are being performed in the most economical and efficient way possible - Ongoing • Update the Personnel Policy – Complete in Executive Staff Review • Review and apply for grants as they become available - Ongoing • To complete a Liability and Risk assessment - Ongoing • To implement an employee training routine to help reduce identified risk areas – Ongoing, completed Harassment Training, OSHA training, Flagger Training, Chainsaw Safety, Chipper Training. Blood borne pathogens training Shared Services • Explore shared services agreements with the school, county and neighboring municipalities, Shared Services agreement with School for plowing, equipment maintenance, and janitorial services. We are looking into other areas where we can save money jointly. • Review current agreements to ensure we are getting the best return and there are no unnecessary costs included. Ongoing • Work with neighboring municipalities to share equipment and personnel for major projects. Ongoing Administrative Report June/July Web page has a Nixel widget for residents to sign up for Borough emergency notifications. To employment issues. 1. We are paying our part-time people $20.50 meanwhile our lowest paid full time staff is making $14.00 and paying a portion of their benefits. I would like to terminate all part-timers and have them file and be paid at the lowest rate of the pay scale for laborers which is $13.94 2. I would like to hire a temporary seasonal employee not to exceed 24 hours a week to help out public works with some basic maintenance work. This person would be making the new salary Code Enforcement – executive session Building Update – Preliminary report, the elevator pit cannot be dug due to water table issues. Water was found at about 6’ down and would require the Borough to put in a pump and drain system. All vacant property notices have gone out. At the beginning of August 2nd Notices and warning about summonses being issued will be distributed to those who have not registered along with verification of water shut off. Grant applications have been sent for the Safe Routes to School and the Transportation Alternatives Program. We received a $75,000 grant confirmation regarding the generators There was a program glitch with the tax bill for the appeals. They did not calculate the 1st and 2nd qtrs. of 2015 correctly new adjusted bills will be going out. We have hired a Deputy Clerk!!! Started today as a temp until reso is approved and Background check is complete. Take over agreement Solitude Village Water Supply – Executive Session Mayor, Mark Desire: EXECUTIVE SERVICES 1. Completed an abandoned property list. 3 2. Will have a trail run with cameras at meeting for web casts. 3. Abandoned ally ways, will correct tax maps. 4. Expanded golf course use, Jay has many good ideas. 5. Hydro power still in the works. Expecting a proposal from Custom Alloy within the next two months. 6. Working towards private investors for the Solitude House. 7. The County will be working on the Mine Rd. bridge to protect the water line in September. 8. Dealing with Clinton Sewer regarding rate issues. ND PUBLIC HEARINGS: 2 Reading. ORDINANCE #2014-19 AN ORDINANCE TO VACATE A PORTION OF VARIOUS STREETS, LOCATED IN THE BOROUGH OF HIGH BRIDGE, COUNTY OF HUNTERDON AND STATE OF NEW JERSEY AS SHOWN ON SHEETS 6, 7, 11, 15, 16, & 21 OF THE BOROUGH TAX MAP, AS AMENDED Mayor Desire asked for a motion to open the Public Hearing on Ordinance #2014-19. Councilman Rapp motioned to open. Councilwoman Hughes seconded. Roll Call Vote: Hughes, aye; Miller, aye; Rapp, aye; Scarcia, aye; Stemple, aye. Motion Carried: 5 ayes. Questions and Comments: Councilwoman Miller stated that when the property is going to be sold, the new survey will show the ownership. Dr. Brenden Coughlin said that Mr. Huttemann had shown a 1905 Resolution stating that the Borough did not own the ally ways, so how can we give it away. Attorney Goodman explained that there will be an easement over the property with no encroachments. Adrienne Shipps asked if the Borough has an easement, can’t annex and will be regulated by zoning. The Borough never owned the alley ways, need to communicate that to the landowners. Will send out a letter or put in newsletter. Mayor Desire asked for a motion to close the Public Hearing on Ordinance #2014-19 Councilman Rapp motioned to close. Councilwoman Miller seconded. Roll Call Vote: Hughes, aye; Miller, aye; Rapp, aye; Scarcia, aye; Stemple, aye. Motion Carried: 5 ayes. Mayor Desire asked for a motion to adopt Ordinance #2014-19 and stated that Ordinance #2014-19 shall be published by title only in the Hunterdon County Democrat according to law. Councilman Rapp motioned to adopt. Councilwoman Miller seconded. Roll Call Vote: Hughes, aye; Miller, aye; Rapp, aye; Scarcia, aye; Stemple, aye. Motion Carried: 5 ayes. ORDINANCE #2014-20 ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING $50,000 FROM THE WATER CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT FUND FOR A GENERATOR AT THE SOLITUDE WATER TANK IN THE BOROUGH OF HIGH BRIDGE, IN THE COUNTY OF HUNTERDON, NEW JERSEY. Mayor Desire asked for a motion to open the Public Hearing on Ordinance #2014-20. Councilman Rapp motioned to open. Councilwoman Hughes seconded. Roll Call Vote: Hughes, aye; Miller, aye; Rapp, aye; Scarcia, aye; Stemple, aye. Motion Carried: 5 ayes. Questions and Comments: Administrator Gregory explained that the Borough received a “Hazard Mitigation Grant” . Brent Dugan asked if the generator could be used elsewhere. Administrator Gregory said that the primary would be the water tank and can be allocated to another use. Attorney Goodman added that it would be a discretionary decision by the Borough. Dr. Brenden Coughlin expressed his concern for water pressure to fight fires and thinks that the generator should be a permanent installation. Chris Zappa asked if plug-in hardware would be installed. CERT would be used for security at the pumping station. Sally Ward thanked Mayor and Council for the generator. Dr. Brenden Coughlin asked if Solitude Village was at the end of the line for JCPL and needs the answer. Mayor Desire asked for a motion to close the Public Hearing on Ordinance #2014-20 Councilman Rapp motioned to close. Councilwoman Miller seconded. Roll Call Vote: Hughes, aye; Miller, aye; Rapp, aye; Scarcia, aye; Stemple, aye. Motion Carried: 5 ayes. Mayor Desire asked for a motion to adopt Ordinance #2014-20 and stated that Ordinance #2014-20 shall be published by title only in the Hunterdon County Democrat according to law. Councilwoman Miller motioned to adopt. Councilman Rapp seconded. Roll Call Vote: Hughes, aye; Miller, aye; Rapp, aye; Scarcia, aye; Stemple, aye. Motion Carried: 5 ayes. CONSENT AGENDA: All matters listed under the Consent Agenda are considered to be routine by the Borough Council and will be enacted by one motion in the form listed below. There will be no separate discussion of these items. If discussion is desired, that item will be removed from the consent Agenda and will be considered separately. 1. RESOLUTION #157-2014: Approve participation in the Mayors Wellness Campaign. 2. RESOLUTION #158-2014: Approve Green Grounds and Maintenance Policy. 3. RESOLUTION #159-2014: Approve Clerk’s Certification Courses for Administrator Gregory. 4. RESOLUTION #160-2014: Authorize Advertising for Summer laborer. 5. RESOLUTION #161-2014: Authorization for Jeff Oliver and Thatcher Simpson with the Support of the “Jersey Off-Road Bicyclists’ Association” to Construct a Connection Trail from Taylor Steelworkers Greenway on the Solitude Property to the Multipurpose Trail on the Nassau Road and Springside Properties. 4 6. RESOLUTION #162-2014: Approve Capital Budget Amendment. 7. RESOLUTION #163-2014: Authorize Going Out to Bid for Garbage Contract. 8. RESOLUTION #164-2014: Approve new employee for the Clerk’s Office Adam Young. Councilwoman Miller motioned to adopt Resolutions #157 thru #164, copies of which are attached hereto and made a part hereof these minutes. Councilwoman Scarcia seconded. Roll Call Vote: Hughes, aye; Miller, aye; Rapp, aye; Scarcia, aye; Stemple, aye. Motion Carried: 5 ayes. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS: 1. Notice from Comcast regarding Channel Changes 2. Utilities Report for the month of June, 2014. 3. Resolution 2014-114 from Flemington Borough requesting that the Flemington-Raritan School District’s Board of Education change its policy to allow board members to accept questions and converse with the public during its public meetings. 4. Proclamation from Board of Chosen Freeholders of County of Hunterdon regarding the needed awareness of Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva. 5. Notice from HC Division of Solid Waste & Recycling that the Transfer Station on Petticoat Lane will be closed on Saturday, July 12th for maintenance and will reopen on Monday, July 14th at 7:00AM UNFINISHED BUSINESS: None at this time. NEW ORDINANCES: Introduction 1st reading. ORDINANCE #2014-21 AMEND ARTICLE 4, SECTION 4.3, OF HIGHLANDS AREA EXEMPTION, A SUPPLEMENT TO THE LAND USE ORDINANCE OF THE BOROUGH OF HIGH BRIDGE, COUNTY OF HUNTERDON AND STATE OF NEW JERSEY Mayor Desire asked for a motion to introduce Ordinance #2014-21. Councilman Rapp motioned to introduce. Councilwoman Hughes seconded. Roll Call Vote: Hughes, aye; Miller, aye; Rapp, aye; Scarcia, aye; Stemple, aye. Motion Carried: 5 ayes. Mayor Desire stated that Ordinance #2014-21 shall be published in its entirety in the Hunterdon County Democrat along with the Public Hearing date of August 14, 2014. ORDINANCE #2014-22 ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING $15,000 FROM THE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT FUND FOR THE GENERAL ROAD REPAIRS ON WILSON AVENUE AND MILL STREET IN THE BOROUGH OF HIGH BRIDGE, IN THE COUNTY OF HUNTERDON, NEW JERSEY. Mayor Desire asked for a motion to introduce Ordinance#2014-22. Councilman Rapp motioned to introduce. Councilwoman Hughes seconded. Roll Call Vote: Hughes, aye; Miller, aye; Rapp, aye; Scarcia, aye; Stemple, aye. Motion Carried: 5 ayes. Mayor Desire stated that Ordinance #2014-22 shall be published in its entirety in the Hunterdon County Democrat along with the Public Hearing date of August 14, 2014. NEW BUSINESS: None at this time. PUBLIC COMMENTS: It is the policy of the Borough Council that all public comments on an issue shall be limited to one minute (1) per person and no person may make more than one (1) comment per subject at this second Public Comment section. Comments may be made on any subject pertaining to Borough issues. No debating between residents. Comments should be addressed to Mayor and Council at the public microphone. Sally Ward reported that there is a large pothole at Deer Run and King Hill Rds. Dr. Brenden Coughlin said he had two tax bills. Which one is correct. He will call the Tax Collector or the Tax Assessor. LEGAL ISSUES: Attorney Goodman reported that the Borough Petition to cancel the registration of the trademark was answered by Union Forge Heritage Association. They are contesting the petition to keep the “Solitude House Museum” trademark. BILL LIST: Councilman Rapp motioned to approve and direct payment of all vouchers as they appear on the Bill List in the total amount of $2,712,972.49 a copy of which is attached hereto and made a part hereof these minutes. Councilwoman Miller seconded. Roll Call Vote: Hughes, aye; Miller, aye; Rapp, aye; Scarcia, aye; Stemple, aye. Motion Carried: 5 ayes. Mayor Desire asked for a motion to amend Executive Session to include legal advice for PBA Contract. Councilman Rapp motioned to amend. Councilwoman Scarcia seconded. Roll Call Vote: Hughes, aye; Miller, aye; Rapp, aye; Scarcia, aye; Stemple, aye. Motion Carried: 5 ayes. Mayor Desire asked for a motion to amend Executive Session to include legal advise on Solitude House Trademark. Councilman Rapp motioned to amend. Councilwoman Miller seconded. Roll Call Vote: Hughes, aye; Miller, aye; Rapp, aye; Scarcia, aye; Stemple, aye. Motion Carried: 5 ayes. 5 EXECUTIVE SESSION: RESOLUTION #165-2014: Legal advice on Possible Litigation with the Town of Clinton Sewer issue, Code Enforcement, PBA Contract, Solitude House Lease and Solitude House Trademark infringement. Councilman Rapp motioned to adopt a resolution allowing for Executive Session as amended, a copy of which is attached hereto and made a part hereof these minutes. Councilman Stemple seconded. Roll Call Vote: Hughes, aye; Miller, aye; Rapp, aye; Scarcia, aye; Stemple, aye. Motion Carried: 4 ayes. Councilman Stemple motioned to return to Open Session. Councilwoman Scarcia seconded. Roll Call Vote: Hughes, aye; Miller, aye; Scarcia, aye; Stemple, aye. Motion Carried: 5 ayes. Mayor Desire asked if there was any further business. There was none at this time. Mayor Desire asked for a motion to adjourn. Councilman Rapp motioned and Councilwoman Miller seconded. Vote: 5 ayes. Motion Carried. ADJOURNMENT: 9:35 PM Respectfully submitted, _______________________________ Diane L. Seals, Municipal Clerk, RMC 6