City Council

UNAPPROVED BOROUGH OF HIGH BRIDGE MAYOR AND BOROUGH COUNCIL Meeting Date: August 14, 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 were 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. Mayor asked for a moment of silence for the Borough’s Code Enforcement Officer Al Hopping, who passed away rescently. 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, Deputy Clerk Adam Young, and nine members of the general public and news media were also present. VISITORS: Mr. Adam Ambielli of Custom Alloy. Mayor Desire read Resolution #166-2014 recognizing Custom Alloy as an Outstanding Corporate Citizen. Councilman Rapp motioned to adopt Resolution #166-2014, copies of which are attached hereto and made a part hereof these minutes. Councilwoman Hughes seconded. Roll Call Vote: Hughes, aye; Miller, aye; Rapp, aye; Scarcia, aye; Stemple, aye. Motion Carried: 5 ayes. MOTION TO DISPENSE WITH THE READING OF MINUTES OF PRIOR MEETINGS: Councilman Rapp motioned to dispense with the reading of the Regular and Executive Session Meeting Minutes for July 17, 2014. Councilwoman Hughes seconded. Roll Call Vote: Hughes, aye; Miller, aye; Rapp, aye; Scarcia, aye; Stemple, aye. Motion Carried: 5 ayes. APPROVAL OR CORRECTION OF PRIOR MEETING MINUTES: Councilman Rapp motioned to approve the Regular and Executive Session Meeting Minutes of July 17, 2014. Councilwoman Hughes seconded. Roll Call Vote: Hughes, aye; Miller, aye; Rapp, aye; Scarcia, aye; Stemple, aye. Motion Carried: 5 ayes. 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. Michele Schwartz of 14 Thomas St. brought up concerns about one-side street parking after the county has repaved, citing that it may cause people to speed up and also noting that Main St. may lose parking spaces. Mayor Desire responded that we have discussed this a few times before, all businesses were on board except for one, and that we would not lose parking spots. He also stated that he talked to the Chief of Police, and that the Chief does not believe we will have more speeding if the Borough enacts one-sided parking. Councilwoman Miller suggested checking into re-striping. Councilwoman Scarcia suggested using crosswalks or signage to alert drivers of pedestrians. Attorney Barry Goodman mentioned the use of “Slow Pedestrian” signs. Administrator John Gregory commented that a few temporary solutions are available for signage until the issue can be resolved. A general discussion ensued about expanding parking at The Commons. Ms. Schwartz recounted a news story about a loss of life to speeding in another town in New Jersey. She also left a copy of the article with the Council. Christina Whited of 76 Main St. brought in a petition of signatures from business owners against one-sided parking. The petition was presented to the Council and Ms. Whited noted that she had sent this over to Administrator Gregory. Administrator Gregory noted that he had not previously received the petition. She also cited safety and delivery issues as further concerns. She asked for more transparency with the Economic Development Committee and if decisions such as one-sided parking can be put into a digital newsletter to go out to business owners. Mayor Desire agreed that these issues should be better communicated to the business owners. Sally Ward of Solitude Village commented that the business owners she has spoken to are in favor of one side parking but that people are, in general, worried about driving on Main St. for fear of accidents, and the loss of parking spaces. Attorney Goodman suggested specific, marked loading zones may be a solution. Christina Whited asked for a crosswalk closer to The Commons, crossing from the trail to the lot. Mayor Desire and Administrator Gregory stated that the rules prohibit a crosswalk being put in due to the proximity to a nearby intersection. 1 Councilwoman Scarcia plans to look into more visuals and signage to help with driving/parking. Adrienne Shipps commented about concerns with planters and asked that a parking plan be made available at the next meeting. Councilwoman Hughes says the planter issue has been addressed with the E.D.C. and the Mayor says that this will be addressed when the lines are repainted. COUNCIL COMMITTEE AND SPECIAL ASSIGNMENT: Monthly report for August 14, 2014 Councilman Flynn: PLANNING & ENGINEERING No report Councilwoman Hughes: PUBLIC HEALTH, ENVIRONMENTAL, SOLID WASTE/RECYCLING, OPEN SPACE ENVIRONMENTAL: 1. Green Team worked on action items to get to the next certification level. 2. Working with E.D.C. about Main Street landscaping. 3. A Veteran’s Park reminder was put back into newsletter stating that no signs are to be posted in this space out of respect. They will be removed and placed under Borough Hall steps. SOLID WASTE/RECYCLING: 1. Garbage contract bids are being worked on. Councilwoman Scarcia: INFORMATION, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, CULTURAL & HERITAGE & EVENTS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: 1. The E.D.C has been meeting and it is going well. 2. Looking into a scheduling a small business association seminar. RECREATION: 1. Summer recreation program was a success. Had 144 campers, 21 counselors. 2. Gazebo has been damaged (wood and electrical box) so repairs will be done. 3. Littering by the basketball courts has increased. Would like to get some signage posted. Councilwoman Miller: EMERGENCY SERVICES, EDUCATION & MUNICIPAL COURT POLICE: 1. June: Total number of calls is 704. 1 assault. 2 criminal mischief. 3 domestic violence. 6 investigations. 11 motor vehicle crashes. 77 motor vehicle stops. 4 thefts. 7 adult arrests. 1 Officer trained in Basic School Resource Officer course. 4 Officers qualified with firearms. 172 overtime hours due to shift coverage and sick time. 2. July: 2 assaults. 1 criminal mischief. 4 domestic violence. 20 investigation follow-ups. 7 motor vehicle crashes. 94 motor vehicle stops. 2 thefts. 691 total calls, 9 adult arrests. 1 Officer trained in laser training for an active shooter. 1 Officer trained in opioid antidote training. 3 Officers qualified in firearms. 134.5 hours total for overtime. About 100 sick hours. 3. Our Police Department has been enrolled in the County training program for heroin overdoses. 4. Fleet at full staff. 2 recall notices for the newer Fords. RESCUE SQUAD: 1. Have not yet met with the Rescue Squad yet till the end of the month. FIRE DEPARTMENT: 1. A request has been made for the ladder truck to be displayed at the Firemen’s Convention on Sept. 2nd or 3rd. 2. Clam bake was a great success. EVENTS: 1. Worked on preparations for Community Day and Custom Alloy Recognition Day on the 20th. 2. PaintOut is coming up on October 4th. 3. Last concert coming up this weekend. 4. First Oz Mania event went well. 5. The way the Borough put together funding requests is working well. The strategy for consolidating the effort to fundraise is working well. 6. Looking for a long term solution to our consolidated storage problem. 7. Looking for a long term solution to our new Committee members replacing our departing members as people transition in and out. Councilman Rapp: DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS & RECREATION PUBLIC WORKS: 1. Department of Works has been doing lots of pothole repair. About 72 man hours worth of work. 2. 10 to 12 man hours repairing school steps. Saved a good amount of money which can go for security purposes. 3. 5 basins have been repaired. 4. We now have access to a pothole repair system. Councilman Stemple: FINANCE & GOLF GOLF: 1. Too early for the results from the month of July. Will have results at the next meeting. John Gregory: ADMINISTRATORS REPORT: Monthly report for August 14, 2014 2  • The Generator at Solitude Village is not required to be permanent. • Solitude House lease is advertised • Solid Waste bid is advertised. • School Steps 90% completed. • Mine Road Bridge repair is scheduled for September. Mayor, Mark Desire: EXECUTIVE SERVICES 1. Stated that the Solitude House lease is advertised. 2. Asked if Council wants to do a resolution having to do with Main Street now that they have information from the County. 3. Commented that millings from Cregar Rd. are at The Commons and will be used for future projects. 4. Spoke of expanding The Commons parking lot. 5. New Jersey Chapter of The American Planning Association mentioned that High Bridge has been nominated for the People’s Choice Award for Great Downtowns. 6. Mentioned the upcoming Tuesday Office of Emergency Management meeting and Monday Planning Board meeting. At this time, Executive Session was amended to include PBA Contract, Solitude Village water tower contract, Solitude House trademark issue and removal of Finance Dept. Personnel Update. Councilman Rapp motioned. Councilwoman Miller seconded. Roll Call Vote: Hughes, aye; Miller, aye; Rapp, aye; Scarcia, aye; Stemple, aye. Motion Carried: 5 ayes. PUBLIC HEARINGS: 2ND Reading. ORDINANCE #2014-16 AMENDING CHAPTER 145 OF THE CODE OF BOROUGH OF HIGH BRIDGE, COUNTY OF HUNTERDON AND STATE OF NEW JERSEY, THE LAND USE AND DEVELOPMENT ORDINANCE Mayor Desire asked for a motion to open the Public Hearing for Ordinance #2014-16. 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: No questions from Council. A resident asked for the highlights of the updates of Ordinance #2014-16. The Mayor read highlights of Ordinance #2014-16. A resident asked if the business Helios is in violation, due to location, on Main Street. Council agreed that the services rendered by Helios are acceptable and in line with known Ordinances. Christina Whited was concerned that her prior Ordinance violation was being discussed as part of the current Ordinance discussion. A discussion ensued. Council concurred that the violation is not related to this Ordinance discussion. Councilwoman Miller motioned to continue Public Hearing of Ordinance#2014-16 until the next Council meeting. Councilman Rapp seconded. Roll Call Vote: Hughes, aye; Miller, aye; Rapp, aye; Scarcia, aye; Stemple, aye. Motion Carried: 5 ayes. 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 open the Public Hearing on Ordinance #2014-21. 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: The Mayor and Administrator described the past and present changes pertaining to Ordinance. There were no questions from Council. Mayor Desire asked for a motion to close the Public Hearing on Ordinance #2014-21. Councilman Rapp motioned to close. Councilwoman Hughes seconded. Roll Call Vote: Hughes, aye; Miller, aye; Rapp, aye; Scarcia, aye; Stemple, aye. Motion Carried: 5 ayes. Mayor Desire asks for a motion to adopt the Public Hearing on Ordinance #2014-21 and stated that Ordinance #2014-22 shall be published by title only in the Hunterdon County Democrat according to law. Councilman Rapp motioned to adopt. Councilwoman Hughes seconded. Roll Call Vote: Hughes, aye; Miller, aye; Rapp, aye; Scarcia, aye; Stemple, aye. Motion Carried: 5 ayes. 3  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 open the Public Hearing on Ordinance #2014-22. Councilman Rapp motioned to open. Councilwoman Miller seconded. Roll Call Vote: Hughes, aye; Miller, aye; Rapp, aye; Scarcia, aye; Stemple, aye. Motion Carried: 5 ayes. Questions and Comments: No questions from Council. Sally Ward had concerns about a malformation in the asphalt. Administrator Gregory explained that this will be fixed with the paving/patching machine. Mayor Desire asked for a motion to close the Public Hearing on Ordinance #2014-22. 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 #2014-22 and stated that Ordinance #2014-22 shall be published by title only in the Hunterdon County Democrat according to law. Councilman Rapp motioned to adopt. Councilwoman Hughes 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 #167-2014: Approve amending 2014 Holidays in Personnel Policy. 2. RESOLUTION #168-2014: Approve Colin Runser’s Membership in the N.J. State Firemen’s Association. 3. RESOLUTION #169-2014: Opposition to Senate Bill S374, payment to lawyers for Workman’s Compensation claims. 4. RESOLUTION #170-2014: Approve Waiver of CCO Re-inspection Fee of $35.00 for Block 33 Lot 36.14. 5. RESOLUTION #171-2014: Amend Professional Service Contract for Hatch Mott MacDonald. 6. RESOLUTION #172-2014: Authorize Refund of Overpayment on Plumbing Fees. 7. RESOLUTION #173-2014: Authorize Refund of Overpayment on Electrical Fees. 8. RESOLUTION #174-2014: Authorize to Sell Surplus Property. 9. RESOLUTION #175-2014: Authorize Redemption of Tax Lien. 10. RESOLUTION #176-2014: Authorize Reimbursement for Background Check for Tracy Denkovic. 11. RESOLUTION #177-2014: Authorize Reimbursement for Background Check for Adam Young. 12. RESOLUTION #178-2014: Authorize Refund of Recreation Fees. 13. RESOLUTION #179-2014: Appoint Construction Officials/Inspectors. 14. RESOLUTION #180-2014: Authorize refund of Overpayment of Dog Fund fees. 15. RESOLUTION #181-2014: Authorize support of “Turn the Towns Teal”, September as Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. 16. RESOLUTION #182-2014: Approve the Appointments of John Gregory as Deputy Registrar of Vital Statistics and Adam Young as Alternate Registrar of Vital Statistics. 17. RESOLUTION #183-2014: Approve Fire Department Social Affair Permit for Housing Celebration on October 11, 2014 at the High Bridge Firehouse, 7 Maryland Ave. from 1:00PM to 12:00AM. Councilman Stemple motioned to adopt Resolutions #167 thru #181, copies of which are 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. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS: 1. Resolution #2014-32 from Statewide Insurance Fund opposing Senate Bill S374, payment to lawyers for Workmen’s Compensation claims. 2. Application for Renewal of Municipal Consent to Construct and Operate a Cable Television System in the Borough of High Bridge. 3. Month End Tax/Finance Reports. 4. Utilities Report for the month of July, 2014. 5. Certificate of Funds for Hatch Mott MacDonald. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: None at this time. NEW ORDINANCES: None at this time. 4 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. No comments. LEGAL ISSUES: Mr. Goodman had a conference call with UFHA’s attorney concerning trademark issues with Solitude House. A discovery schedule has been set. 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 $861,738.01 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. EXECUTIVE SESSION: RESOLUTION #184-2014: Legal advice on Possible Litigation with the Town of Clinton Sewer issue, PBA Contract, Solitude Village water tank contract, and Solitude House Trademark issue. 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. Councilwoman Hughes seconded. Roll Call Vote: Hughes, aye; Miller, aye; Rapp, aye; Scarcia, aye; Stemple, aye. Motion Carried: 5 ayes. Councilman Rapp motioned to return to Open Session. Councilwoman Hughes 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: 10:12 PM Respectfully submitted, _______________________________ Adam Young, Deputy Clerk 5