City Council

BOROUGH OF HIGH BRIDGE – COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES Date: February 22, 2018 – 7:30 p.m. – Location: 7 Maryland Ave., High Bridge, NJ 08829 ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Please note: This meeting may contain discussion of items not mentioned on the agenda and, alternatively, any items specifically listed may be omitted. CALL TO ORDER: BY MAYOR FLAG SALUTE: LED BY MAYOR COUNCIL ROLL CALL: Councilman Columbus present Councilman LoIacono present Mayor Desire present Councilwoman Ferry present Councilman Strange present Councilwoman Hughes present Councilman Zappa present Councilwoman Lynn Hughes enters at 7:40 p.m. Also present were Administrator Michael Pappas, Attorney Barry Goodman, Acting Clerk Adam Young, and fourteen members of the public and press. READING AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES: MINUTES – FEBRUARY 8, 2018 Mayor asks if any corrections or for a motion to dispense with the reading of the prior meeting minutes. Motion to dispense with the reading of the February 8, 2018 minutes: Motion: Zappa ; Second: LoIacono ; Roll call vote: Columbus, yes ; Ferry, yes ; Hughes, absent ; LoIacono, yes ; Strange, yes ; Zappa, yes ; Motion passes: 5 yes, 1 absent Motion to approve the February 8, 2018 minutes: LoIacono ; Second: Columbus ; Roll call vote: Columbus, yes ; Ferry, yes ; Hughes, absent ; LoIacono, yes ; Strange, yes ; Zappa, yes ; Motion passes: 5 yes, 1 absent OATHS/APPOINTMENTS: A. Appointment of David Goessling to the Cultural and Heritage Committee – Term expiring 12/31/2020. Motion to approve Resolution 085-2018, appointment of David Goessling to the Cultural and Heritage Committee. Motion: Zappa ; Second: Strange ; Roll call vote: Columbus, yes ; Ferry, yes ; Hughes, absent ; LoIacono, yes ; Strange, yes ; Zappa, yes ; Motion passes: 5 yes, 1 absent B. Appointment of Tom Wescoe to the Cultural and Heritage Committee – Term expiring 12/31/2020. Motion to approve Resolution 086-2018, appointment of Tom Wescoe to the Cultural and Heritage Committee. Motion: Zappa ; Second: Strange ; Roll call vote: Columbus, yes ; Ferry, yes ; Hughes, absent ; LoIacono, yes ; Strange, yes ; Zappa, yes ; Motion passes: 5 yes, 1 absent PUBLIC COMMENTS: 5 MINUTES PER PERSON Carman Cook: Stated his involvement with community recreation programs, is glad Cregar Road has been getting repaired, commented positively on the half paved parking lot for the golf course, asked that the rest of the lot be paved, and asked that club house upgrades be considered for the benefit of the course. Mayor Desire commented on how glad they were to be able to get the lot paved at no expense to the taxpayers. Nancy Hunt: Welcomed the two new members for Cultural and Heritage. Cynthia Sharkey: Addressed Council as a resident and stated her support for the Zoning Ordinance prohibiting dispensaries, stated her belief that the town is too small for that kind of business, and that the schools would need to deal with many tandem issues, policy creation, etc. Lisa Desire: Spoke as a resident and parent supporting the Zoning Ordinance prohibiting dispensaries, thanked Council for being proactive on the issue, and stated that she would be upset if a shop would be put on Main St. as it is so close to the schools and town events. Brenda Krushinski: Spoke in support for the Zoning Ordinance prohibiting dispensaries in High Bridge, cited Nancy Reagan's accomplishments with the "Just Say No" program, and spoke on the use of marijuana as a gateway drug. PUBLIC HEARINGS: A. Ordinance 2018-005: Amendment to Article II, Water Service, Section 407-16 Motion to open the public hearing for Ordinance 2018-005: LoIacono ; Second: Columbus ; Roll call vote: Columbus, yes ; Ferry, yes ; Hughes, yes ; LoIacono, yes ; Strange, yes ; Zappa, yes ; Motion passes: 6 yes Motion to close the public hearing for Ordinance 2018-005: LoIacono ; Second: Strange ; Roll call vote: Columbus, yes ; Ferry, yes ; Hughes, yes ; LoIacono, yes ; Strange, yes ; Zappa, yes ; Motion passes: 6 yes Motion to adopt Ordinance 2018-005: Strange ; Second, Zappa ; Roll call vote: Columbus, yes ; Ferry, yes ; Hughes, yes ; LoIacono, yes ; Strange, yes ; Zappa, yes ; Motion passes: 6 yes DISCUSSION ITEMS: A. Water utility - Administrator Pappas spoke about progress with starting the utility assessment report, spoke about the Solitude Village water tank pump failures, and replacement of the pump. Council discussed the submission of the proposal for Hillcrest Lane. B. Status of Solitude House bid proposals - Council discussed the bid proposal for the use of the Annex at the Solitude House as it pertains to the taxing of the property, how the laws pertaining to alcohol may be handled, approving a resolution to move forward, discussed the status of the Solitude Garage bid C. Police Department firing range lease - Discussed the firing range lease proposed and the need for more availability for the Police Department. An update will be given at next meeting. D. Report on affordable housing settlement hearing - Attorney Barry Goodman updated Council on the list of items required to be addressed by the Borough as part of the settlement, the payment of $3000 to cover their legal costs, that there is no threat of a lawsuit as long as the terms are followed, and that High Bridge is quite prepared on this issue compared to other municipalities in the State. Administrator Michael Pappas distributed a timeline to Council on this issue. E. Solitude Village pump – Covered in water utility discussion item A. F. Planning Board / Board of Adjustment educational certifications - Administrator Pappas updated Council on the introduction of Ordinance 2018-009 relating to members taking additional courses beyond what is required by the State. G. Landlord registration - Administrator Pappas spoke on the terms of the Resolution proposed, one of the individuals seeking relief from landlord registration late fees, the use of a check date, a post mark date, and the intent to remove the 8% fee calculation as well as to introduce an Ordinance later to amend the code. Resolution 087-2018 - Landlord Registration post marked date and interest charge amendment: Motion, LoIacono ; Second, Hughes ; Roll call vote: Columbus, yes ; Ferry, yes ; Hughes, yes ; LoIacono, yes ; Strange, yes ; Zappa, yes ; Motion passes: 6 yes H. Sale of Old Borough Hall – 71 Main St. - Council discussed the background of the sale of Old Borough prior to the sale of Old Borough Hall, the lot lines as they exist now, and the consideration to having an easement in place prior to the sale. INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES: A. Ordinance 2018-008: Ordinance to rezone R4 to BD Motion to introduce Ordinance 2018-008: Strange ; Second: LoIacono ; Roll call vote: Columbus, yes ; Ferry, yes ; Hughes, yes ; LoIacono, yes ; Strange, yes ; Zappa, yes ; Motion passes: 6 yes The presiding officer states that the Ordinance 2018-008 shall be published in whole or summary in the Express Times and/or the Hunterdon County Democrat along with the public hearing date of March 22, 2018. B. Ordinance 2018-009: Amend code to vacate Subsection K from Article 6, Section 601, Motion to introduce Ordinance 2018-009: No motion ; Second: No second ; No motion made COUNCIL COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS: 2018 GOALS Mayor, member, or official Department Councilman Zappa Engineering, Department of Public Works Reported on road projects, Mill Street improvements, curbs, streets and sidewalks, a request for repair for the bridge on Cregar Road as Council feels the repairs are beyond maintenance criteria by the Borough, plowing of snow, potholes being patched, Solitude Village pump repairs, well 8 pump repaired under warranty. Councilman LoIacono thanked DPW for their plowing during the last snow. Councilwoman Hughes Environmental, Solid Waste / Recycling, Public Health & Open Space Reported on the Streetscape project status, the divide between the Police Department and Borough Hall, creation of walking / biking lane along 513, make Commons parking more accessible, Commuter Lot parking worked on, updating the website with environmental information, maintenance of parks and gardens, Wildlife Habitat certification, organize volunteer weeding, identify areas in need for trees in the Borough, storm water management public awareness, Green Team meetings, Sustainable Jersey certification, Caught Being Green awards, assist with sustainable school actions, Solid Waste and Recycling contract Councilman LoIacono Education, Finance, Emergency Services Will sit down with the CFO about the budget soon, commented about the financing options for road projects, will be attending the Board of Education meeting, reported on the new traffic flow pattern which appears to be working, Police Department stats were read, Fire Department report will be next meeting, reported on the sewage backup issue. Councilman Strange Economic Development Committee, Recreation Summer Recreation program will be picking up, expecting field usage requests to begin, ready to work with Special Events on cross-committee projects, Economic Development cross-committee items are being worked on with Mr. Delgado as it pertains to grant writing, the production of a map for showing High Bridge, Councilwoman Ferry Cultural and Heritage, Golf Reported on the expanstion of Cultural and Heritage members, collaborating with Nancy Hunt on the strucuture of the membership, met Jay Palmer at the golf course Councilman Columbus Events Raising money with sponsors, such as CostCo, to have in-kind gifts at more High Bridge events, securing components for coming events, a pending meeting with Custom Alloy representatives about High Bridge events, Michael Pappas Administrator Spoke on a sewer backup at a residence, visited the home, stated that some misinformation was put on social media, and that the Police Officer that responded quickly and accurately to the call, and that the issue was reported to the Department of Works. A TORT claim has been filed and the process is continuing. Spoke about keeping the physical newsletter going to residents for now. Mayor Mark Desire Executive Services The Mayor met with the owner of the old Peking Wok location, spoke about feedback on 100 West Main St., attended the OEM meeting, reported on the last meeting with Mayor Janice Kovach, having the CFOs from both towns sit down and meet, awarded  the Martin Luther King service award for assisting college interns in Borough Hall, attended the High Bridge student art show. CONSENT AGENDA: Resolution 097-2018 – Add Resolution to consent agenda for the award of contract for Union Forge Spirits contingent upon both parties agreeing to the terms of the lease: Motion, Hughes ; Second, Strange; Roll call vote: Columbus, yes ; Ferry, yes ; Hughes, yes ; LoIacono, no ; Strange, yes ; Zappa, yes ; Motion passes: 5 yes, 1 no RESOLUTION # TITLE Resolution 088 – 2018 Award of Contract – Premier Disposal for solid waste Resolution 089 – 2018 Escrow refund - Rubin Resolution 090 – 2018 Lien redemption Resolution 091 – 2018 Sustainable grant - $2000 Resolution 092 – 2018 Sustainable grant - $20000 - $10000 Resolution 093 – 2018 Traffic control signage Resolution 094 – 2018 Water and sewer utility connection request – Block 24, Lot 22 Resolution 095 – 2018 Increase temp budget Resolution 097 – 2018 Award of contract – Union Forge Spirits Motion to approve the consent agenda items as amended: Strange ; Second: Zappa ; Roll call vote: Columbus, yes ; Ferry, yes ; Hughes, yes ; LoIacono, yes except for Resolution 097- 2018 which is a vote for no ; Strange, yes ; Zappa, yes ; Motion passes. Resolution 088-2018 to 095-2018: 6 yes Motion passes. Resolution 097-2018: 5 yes, 1 no WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS: A. End of month Tax and Finance reports B. Landlord registration letter C. Utility connection capacity letter from Borough Engineer D. Proposed access easement PUBLIC COMMENTS: 3 MINUTES PER PERSON Coleen Conroy attended on behalf of the middle school students on the issue that the American flag is stuck in a tree and asked for some assistance in retrieving the flag, some assistance with getting a speed bump repaired at the Elementary School, some grant opportunities with the Green Team and the Green Assembly for Earth Day, and that the new traffic pattern is working. Pablo Delgado spoke on behalf of Economic Development Committee requests assistance on the process of installing way-finding signs, a total of seven signs, logistics for posting the signs, asked that the over-all land use on Main St. be reviewed for keeping opportunities open, and thanked Steve for picking up the map project. Council discussed how uses for 100 West Main are being considered. LEGAL ISSUES: NONE BILL LIST: Approval of Bills as signed and listed on the Bill Payment List. Total Amount: $1,011,150.76 Motion to approve bill list: LoIacono ; Second: Hughes ; Roll call vote: Columbus, yes ; Ferry, yes ; Hughes, yes ; LoIacono, yes ; Strange, yes ; Zappa, yes ; Motion passes: 6 yes Councilman LoIacono asked for clarification of some items on the bill list. EXECUTIVE SESSION: LEGAL ADVICE FOR TOWN OF CLINTON ARBITRATION Resolution 096-2018 - Motion to move into executive session: LoIacono ; Second, Zappa ; Roll call vote: Columbus, yes ; Ferry, yes ; Hughes, yes ; LoIacono, yes ; Strange, yes ; Zappa, yes ; Motion passes: 6 yes Action may now be taken. Motion to move into open session: LoIacono ; Second: Columbus ; Roll call vote: Columbus, yes ; Ferry, yes ; Hughes, yes ; LoIacono, yes ; Strange, yes ; Zappa, yes ; Motion passes: 6 yes ADJOURNMENT: PRESIDING OFFICER ASKS IF THERE IS ANY FURTHER BUSINESS. Motion to adjourn: LoIacono ; Second: Strange ; Roll call vote: Columbus, yes ; Ferry, yes ; Hughes, yes ; LoIacono, yes ; Strange, yes ; Zappa, yes ; Motion passes: 6 yes Next regular meeting: March 8, 2018 – 7:30 pm – 7 Maryland Ave., High Bridge, NJ _____________________________ Adam Young Acting Municipal Clerk ___________________________ Mark Desire Mayor