City Council

BOROUGH OF HIGH BRIDGE MAYOR AND BOROUGH COUNCIL Meeting Date: November 20, 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. A moment of silence was observed for the loss of Sue Hammel. MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Desire, Councilwoman Hughes, Councilwoman Scarcia, Councilman Flynn, Councilman Stemple, Councilman Rapp, Councilman Strange Attorney Barry Goodman, Deputy Clerk Adam Young, Administrator Gregory and twenty-one members of the general public and news media were also present. VISITORS: 1. Swearing in of Kaitlyn Overton. Council amended the agenda to include the swearing in of Kaitlyn Overton. Councilman Rapp made the motion. Councilwoman Hughes seconded. Roll Call Vote: Stemple, aye; Hughes, aye; Flynn, aye; Rapp, aye; Scarcia, aye; Motion carried: 5 ayes 2. RESOLUTION 225-2014 Nominations – Appointment of new member of Council to fill a vacant seat until the next general election. Councilman Rapp nominated Stephen Strange. Councilwoman Hughes seconded the motion. Roll call vote to close the nomination: Stemple, aye; Hughes, aye; Flynn, abstain; Rapp, aye; Scarcia, aye; Motion passes, 4 ayes, 1 abstention Motion by High Bridge Borough Council to appoint Stephen Strange to the vacant seat until the next general election. Roll call vote: Stemple, aye; Hughes, aye; Flynn, abstain; Rapp, aye; Scarcia, aye; Motion passes, 4 ayes, 1 abstention 3. Ryan Phelps and Jay Palmer, from Billy Casper Golf, gave a PowerPoint presentation reviewing the year of 2014. Christina Whited asked about how the web content is generated. Ryan conveyed that it is generated by their corporate group. Michele Schwartz wanted to thank the representatives from Billy Casper Golf for their help with the Paint Out. Councilman Stemple introduced a proposal to address golf balls falling into private property. The proposal outlined a plan to change the course, via redesign, to encourage the direction of play away from the private property. Christina Whited asked how much terrain would be changed. The answer from Jay Palmer was about one hundred and thirty (130) yards. Attorney Goodman asked about how often other golf courses change their golf courses. Mr. Phelps noted that they are not changed often. Councilwoman Scarcia asked about the type of grass that will be planted. Mr. Phelps responded that it will be Whiskey Fescue. Councilwoman Hughes was curious to know how the proposed changes will be marketed. Mr. Palmer responded that there will be postings and announcements. Mr. Goodman remarked that it could also be marketed as something new to try. 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 October 23, 2014. Councilwoman Hughes seconded. Roll Call Vote: Stemple, aye; Hughes, aye; Flynn, aye; Rapp, aye; Scarcia, abstain; Strange, abstain; Motion carried: 4 ayes, 2 abstentions APPROVAL OR CORRECTION OF PRIOR MEETING MINUTES: Councilman Rapp motioned to approve the corrected Regular and Executive Session Meeting Minutes of October 23, 2014. Councilwoman Hughes seconded. Roll Call Vote: Stemple, aye; Hughes, aye; Flynn, aye; Rapp, aye; Scarcia, abstain; Strange, abstain; Motion carried: 4 ayes, 2 abstentions 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 section of the agenda. No debating between residents. Comments should be addressed to Mayor and Council at the public microphone. Adrianne Shipps welcomed Councilman Strange to Council. She asked what brought him to accept a Council nomination, if he is a Democrat or Republican, and what are his expectations for the coming year. She further asked if he plans to run for any other position in the future. Councilman Strange replied that he took the nomination because he is willing to be helpful and thought that a Council position is a good way to do that. He further commented that he is a registered Republican and that he expects to learn about how small town governments run. Mr. Strange noted that he would wait and see to decide if he would pursue further work on Council after this term. Adrienne Shipps asked about Resolution 241 and 214, authorization to appoint acting Clerk, and wanted to know what the salary would be. Administrator Gregory responded that it will be discussed during Executive Session. Kaitlyn Overton introduced the idea of having a performance at the Solitude House and gave a few points of things she would like to see happen there. Eric Erb, Chair of the Cultural and Heritage Committee, stated that they have reviewed the idea and like it very much. COUNCIL COMMITTEE AND SPECIAL ASSIGNMENT: Monthly report for November 20th, 2014 Councilman Flynn: PLANNING & ENGINEERING No report. Councilwoman Hughes: PUBLIC HEALTH, ENVIRONMENTAL, SOLID WASTE/RECYCLING, OPEN SPACE 1. The Garden Grant money was used to work on the garden area to the side of the Main Street mini-park. They placed ground cover. Phase II of this will be done in the fall; the coverage down to the Post Office. Also, two trees were donated and will be used soon. 2. Middle School kids will decorate the Main Street planters. 3. Any artists interested in doing a mural on the white walls that are inside the Main Street mini-park parking lot are welcome to talk to the Environmental Committee. Councilwoman Scarcia: INFORMATION, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, CULTURAL & HERITAGE & EVENTS 1  1. The last newsletter went out. Contact the Administrator or Karen for submissions for the new newsletter. 2. Economic Development Committee is still in support of two-sided parking on Main Street. 3. EDC members worked on the Zoning Ordinance with the Planning Board about signs. 4. Looking forward to planting Treescapes with the Streetscape project. Karen would like to propose that Linda Gretta comes in to talk to Council about the project. 5. Brent Dugan attended the CEDS meeting and presented the information that CEDS would like to improve the transportation corridor between Lamington, Flemington, and Clinton. Mr. Dugan says he was informed that perhaps some political leverage can be used to talk with NJ Transit. He was informed that they do not have anything to do with NJ Transit. 6. A member of EDC would like to research and compile a comprehensive list of available properties. Council Seat vacant: EMERGENCY SERVICES, EDUCATION & MUNICIPAL COURT No report. Councilman Rapp: DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS & RECREATION 1. Brush and leaves are being picked up. 2. DPW is permanently down one person and temporarily down a second. 3. Getting meters read and checked is becoming an issue. Councilman Stemple: FINANCE & GOLF 1. Work on the 2015 budget process has begun. 2. Resolution 228 should generate cost savings. Administrator Gregory: Administrator’s Report for the month 1. Agenda issues will be getting fixed. 2. A meeting was held with NJ Transit, HARRT, the DOT, and Borough Planner and Engineer on the transit village. 3. The water meter issue is being investigated. 4. The Borough is down 63 hours per week and this is creating work flow/work completion issues. 5. Public Works is down 80 hours per week. 6. Shared services issues pertaining to janitorial duties need to be resolved. 7. No new information pertaining to generators from FEMA. 8. The visit to the League of Municipalities went well. It is recommended that Council members try to go next year. 9. A rebuttal to a previously released political flyer; specifically mentioning that Borough employees do trust Council, the number of vacant homes is not 75 but 46 with four up for sale, free education courses being taken by webinar at Borough Hall rather than being taken at home, special event money which is actually donations, and interest on taxes and utilities which is set by statute so that lein holders will come in and buy delinquent properties. Mayor’s Report: 1. Calls about winter and pothole repair. 2. Good feedback on the commons expansion 3. Custom Alloy forklift backup alarm issues. Custom Alloy says they will replace the backup alarms with low decibel alarms 4. Working with the Police on the 2am to 6am parking issues during the winter. 5. OEM meeting coming up on Tuesday. 6. A DPW employee was caught, charged, and terminated for fuel theft. 7. HBBA meeting with Joe Dispenza about two-sided parking. The Mayor says he will talk to the County about it further. 8. Dates for Streetscapes, road repair, and bridge repainting for the coming year should be starting. 9. The Mayor has had numerous meeting with the Mayor of Clinton. The Mayor of Clinton told Mayor Desire that “if we pay what we owe High Bridge, it will bankrupt us.” Mayor Desire says he is not looking to bankrupt Clinton, but to make sure the utility payers of High Bridge are protected. Councilman Stemple notes that it is not High Bridge alone looking for how the issue will be handled, but that High Bridge is taking the lead out of three parties. Clinton Town has referred to this situation as a “cash cow”. 10. Next meeting will be the year-end reports. Send slides and information for the PowerPoint. 11. Congratulations to Adrienne and Chris for winning their Council seats. PUBLIC HEARINGS: 2ND Reading. 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 #226-2014: Appoint John Gregory COAH Municipal Housing Liaison 2. RESOLUTION #227-2014: Consenting to the proposed water quality management plan amendment 3. RESOLUTION #228-2014: Appoint Administrator to investigate the sale of certain Borough Property 4. RESOLUTION #229-2014: Amend Professional Service Contract Hatch Mott MacDonald 5. RESOLUTION #230-2014: Amend Professional Service Contract Greenbaum, Rowe, Smith & Davis 6. RESOLUTION #231-2014: Amend Professional Service Contract To Maser Consulting Inc 7. RESOLUTION #232-2014: Authorization To Advertise For Clerical Part Time Assistant 8. RESOLUTION #233-2014: Authorization To Advertise For Full Time Dpw Laborer 9. RESOLUTION #234-2014: Emergency Resolution For Underground Tank Groundwater Removal 10. RESOLUTION #235-2014: Appropriation Transfers 11. RESOLUTION #236-2014: Authorizing Redemption Of Tax Liens 12. RESOLUTION #237-2014: Authorizing Refund Of Overpayment On Building Fees 13. RESOLUTION #238-2014: Authorizing Refund Of Paint Out Registration 14. RESOLUTION #239-2014: Authorization To Admit Andrew D. Finer to the Firemen’s Association 15. RESOLUTION #240-2014: Authorization to meet in Executive Session 16. RESOLUTION #241-2014: Authorization to appoint Acting Clerk 17. RESOLUTION #242-2014: Approval of first reading of Ordinance 2014-16 amended 18. RESOLUTION #243-2014: Authorization to admit Ken Doyle to the Firemen’s Association Councilwoman Scarcia motions to remove RESOLUTION #241-2014 from the Consent Agenda. Councilwoman Hughes seconds. Roll Call Vote: Stemple, aye; Hughes, aye; Flynn, aye; Rapp, no; Scarcia, aye; Strange, aye; Motion Carried: 5 ayes, 1 no. Councilman Rapp motions to adopt RESOLUTION #226-2014 through RESOLUTION #240-2014, RESOLUTION 242-2014 and RESOLUTION 243-2014. Councilwoman Hughes seconds the motion. Roll Call Vote: Stemple, aye; Hughes, aye; Flynn, aye; Rapp, aye; Scarcia, aye; Strange, aye; Motion Carried: 6 ayes. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS: 2 1. HBH golf review 2. Supply Clooney letter of Interest 3. Dennis Murphy Sewer Request 4. Solitude Trademark abandonment 5. North Hunterdon – Voorhees meeting dates 6. Hunterdon County Animal Control Co-op Proposal 7. Finance Report UNFINISHED BUSINESS: Administrator Gregory explained and shared information about the Best Practices document which sets the goal for each Municipality as to the best practices of doing their operations. High Bridge scored a passing 45 out of 50. Council discussed what we did and need to do in order to do even better on the next Best Practices review. Conversation ensued. NEW ORDINANCES: 1. ORDINANCE #2014-16: Amended introduction, 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 Councilman Rapp motioned to open Ordinance #2014-16. Councilwoman Hughes seconded. Roll call vote: Councilman Stemple, aye; Councilwoman Hughes, aye; Councilman Flynn, aye; Councilman Rapp, aye; Councilwoman Scarcia, aye; Councilman Strange, aye; 6 ayes, vote passes 2. ORDINANCE #2014-21: Amend Ordinance 75-1 Statutory Authorization Councilman Rapp motioned to open Ordinance #2014-21. Councilwoman Hughes seconded. Roll call vote: Councilman Stemple, aye; Councilwoman Hughes, aye; Councilman Flynn, aye; Councilman Rapp, aye; Councilwoman Scarcia, aye; Councilman Strange, aye; 6 ayes, vote passes 3. ORDINANCE #2014-22: Amend Ordinance 261-5 (25) Disorderly Conduct (To Include all Borough Property) Councilman Rapp motioned to open Ordinance #2014-22. Councilwoman Hughes seconded. Roll call vote: Councilman Stemple, aye; Councilwoman Hughes, aye; Councilman Flynn, aye; Councilman Rapp, aye; Councilwoman Scarcia, aye; Councilman Strange, aye; 6 ayes, vote passes 4. ORDINANCE #2014-23: Amend Ordinance 2-21 Duties (f) Finance, Golf and Citizens Advisory Board. (to set surplus goal) Councilman Rapp motioned to open Ordinance #2014-23. Councilwoman Hughes seconded. Roll call vote: Councilman Stemple, aye; Councilwoman Hughes, aye; Councilman Flynn, aye; Councilman Rapp, aye; Councilwoman Scarcia, aye; Councilman Strange, aye; 6 ayes, vote passes 5. ORDINANCE #2014-24: Amend Ordinance 2-3 Mayor: election, term and 2-6 Council: Composition, Term (to include mandatory training of new elected officials). Councilman Rapp motioned to open Ordinance #2014-24. Councilwoman Hughes seconded. Roll call vote: Councilman Stemple, aye; Councilwoman Hughes, aye; Councilman Flynn, aye; Councilman Rapp, aye; Councilwoman Scarcia, aye; Councilman Strange, aye; 6 ayes, vote passes 6. ORDINANCE #2014-25: Amend Ordinance 2014-8 “Revised General Ordinances Borough of High Bridge”, Chapter 276- “Maintenance of Vacant/Abandoned Properties” Councilman Rapp motioned to open Ordinance #2014-25. Councilwoman Hughes seconded. Roll call vote: Councilman Stemple, aye; Councilwoman Hughes, aye; Councilman Flynn, aye; Councilman Rapp, aye; Councilwoman Scarcia, aye; Councilman Strange, aye; 6 ayes, vote passes NEW BUSINESS: Councilman Flynn and Brent Dugan spoke about cost savings with the possibility of shared services pertaining to the High Bridge Rescue Squad. The details of cost were discussed. PUBLIC COMMENTS: None at this time. LEGAL ISSUES: Attorney Goodman states that a complaint was filed on behalf of the township of Union, the Borough of High Bridge, and the Clinton Township Sewer Authority for the improper charging of expenses by the Town of Clinton. 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 $593,969.45, a copy of which is attached hereto and made a part hereof these minutes. Councilwoman Scarcia seconded. Councilwoman Hughes recused herself of any payments to the Environmental Commission. Roll Call Vote: Stemple, aye; Hughes, aye; Flynn, aye; Rapp, aye; Scarcia, aye; Strange, aye; Motion Carried: 6 ayes. EXECUTIVE SESSION: RESOLUTION #244-2014: Councilman Rapp motioned to enter Executive Session including Town of Clinton legal advice/litigation, discussion of the PBA Contract, Richard Drift, and the appointment of John Gregory as Acting Clerk, a copy of which is attached hereto and made a part hereof these minutes. Councilwoman Hughes seconded. Roll Call Vote: Flynn, aye; Hughes, aye; Scarcia, aye; Rapp, aye; Stemple, aye; Strange, aye; Motion Carried: 6 ayes. Councilman Rapp motioned to return to Open Session. Councilwoman Hughes seconded. Roll Call Vote: Flynn, aye; Hughes, aye; Rapp, aye; Scarcia, aye; Stemple, aye; Strange, aye; Motion Carried: 6 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 Hughes seconded. Voice Vote: 6 ayes. Motion Carried. ADJOURNMENT: 10:47 PM Respectfully submitted, _______________________________ Adam Young, Deputy Clerk 3