City Council

BOROUGH OF HIGH BRIDGE – COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES Date: July 19, 2018 – 7:30 p.m. – Location: 97 West Main St., 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: Presiding Officer calls meeting to order and states: “Pursuant to the Open Public Meetings Act, notice of 2018 Meeting Dates were published in the Hunterdon County Democrat on December 28, 2017, and posted on the bulletin board at Borough Hall. Action may now be taken.” FLAG SALUTE: LED BY MAYOR OR PRESIDING OFFICER COUNCIL ROLL CALL: Councilman Columbus present Councilman LoIacono absent Mayor Desire present Councilwoman Ferry present Councilman Strange present Councilwoman Hughes present Councilman Zappa absent Also present were Attorney Barry Goodman, Administrator Michael Pappas, Acting Clerk Adam Young and seven members of the public and press. READING AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Motion to dispense with the reading of the regular June 28, 2018 minutes: Motion / Second: Hughes / Columbus Roll call vote: Columbus, abstain ; Ferry, yes ; Hughes, yes ; LoIacono, absent ; Strange, yes ; Zappa, absent ; Motion passes: 3 yes, 1 abstain, 2 absent Motion to approve the June 28, 2018 regular minutes: Motion / Second: Hughes / Strange Roll call vote: Columbus, abstain ; Ferry, yes ; Hughes, yes ; LoIacono, absent ; Strange, yes ; Zappa, absent ; Motion passes: 3 yes, 1 abstain, 2 absent Motion to approve the June 28, 2018 executive minutes: Motion / Second: Hughes / Strange Roll call vote: Columbus, abstain ; Ferry, yes ; Hughes, yes ; LoIacono, absent ; Strange, yes ; Zappa, absent ; Motion passes: 3 yes, 1 abstain, 2 absent Motion to amend the agenda to add a discussion item, dog park status, prior to first five minute public comments: Motion / Second: Strange / Columbus Roll call vote: Columbus, yes ; Ferry, yes ; Hughes, yes ; LoIacono, absent ; Strange, yes ; Zappa, absent ; Motion passes: 4 yes, 2 absent Discussion Item: dog park status. Councilman Strange spoke about planning updates as it pertains to the proposed dog park adjacent to the Department of Works lot next to the Commons, the fencing around the DPW lot, the use of private funds which has been donated to the cause of building the dog park and other logistics of the project. Discussion ensued about funding, hold harmless agreements, insurance, and oversight by the Borough. PUBLIC COMMENTS: 5 MINUTES PER PERSON Nicole Poko spoke to her support for the dog park, having ideas for sponsorship; spoke about the wedding at The Solitude House being a success and the hope to continue using the space. Councilman Strange asked about extra money for the dog park fence being raised and Nicole expressed interest in this. Adam Hayes, co-owner of Scout’s expressed interest and support in the dog park. Christina Whited spoke about raising enough money to pay a company to install the dog park fence, Spruce Run has space for brochures which should be utilized, and spoke about excitement for High Rail Brewery. Michele Lee spoke about the hydrant testing Resolution and the hydrants that may be out of order, getting them checked, and asked if they will be worked on. Council assured Ms. Lee that the hydrants would work if needed, that hydrants on the list may need other standard maintenance for the most part. Ms. Lee asked about the 70k engineering report by Maser on the water system and if this has been received by the Borough. Administrator Pappas spoke about getting this within 30 days. Ms. Lee asked if professionals charge less if they take longer to provide information? The Mayor and Administrator stated that the timing of items as such and how they are handled is built into the professional contracts and that the report is on track to be provided. Asked about the Borough paying for sewer usage for a resident’s leak. Council spoke about the sewer not be charged to the user as it was not utilized and that the Borough is not paying for the Resident’s leak. Discussion ensued. Ms. Lee stated that she is interested in the policy of coverage for such issues as the fire hydrants. PUBLIC HEARINGS: A. Ordinance 2018-028: Ordinance appropriating $9,200.00 from the Capital Improvement fund for a zero turn mower Motion to open the public hearing for Ordinance 2018-028: Motion / Second: Hughes / Strange Roll call vote: Columbus, yes ; Ferry, yes ; Hughes, yes ; LoIacono, absent ; Strange, yes ; Zappa, absent ; Motion passes: 4 yes, 2 absent Administrator Pappas spoke about the need of the mower, the total amount proposed not being what will be spent necessarily. Motion to close the public hearing for Ordinance 2018-028: Motion / Second: Hughes / Columbus Roll call vote: Columbus, yes ; Ferry, yes ; Hughes, yes ; LoIacono, absent ; Strange, yes ; Zappa, absent ; Motion passes: 4 yes, 2 absent Motion to adopt Ordinance 2018-028: Motion / Second: Hughes / Strange Roll call vote: Columbus, yes ; Ferry, yes ; Hughes, yes ; LoIacono, absent ; Strange, yes ; Zappa, absent ; Motion passes: 4 yes, 2 absent B. Ordinance 2018-029: Water main bypass on Mine Road - $25,000 Motion to open the public hearing for Ordinance 2018-029: Motion / Second: Hughes / Strange Roll call vote: Columbus, yes ; Ferry, yes ; Hughes, yes ; LoIacono, absent ; Strange, yes ; Zappa, absent ; Motion passes: 4 yes, 2 absent Council spoke about the logistics of the project and the County covering most of the costs, securing the water main, and how mains can sometimes break. Motion to close the public hearing for Ordinance 2018-029: Motion / Second: Hughes / Strange Roll call vote: Columbus, yes ; Ferry, yes ; Hughes, yes ; LoIacono, absent ; Strange, yes ; Zappa, absent ; Motion passes: 4 yes, 2 absent Motion to adopt Ordinance 2018-029: Motion / Second: Hughes / Strange Roll call vote: Columbus, yes ; Ferry, yes ; Hughes, yes ; LoIacono, absent ; Strange, yes ; Zappa, absent ; Motion passes: 4 yes, 2 absent C. Ordinance 2018-030: Ordinance appropriating $32,000.00 from the capital improvement fund for preliminary engineering for Washington Ave. road improvement – Phase II Motion to open the public hearing for Ordinance 2018-030: Motion / Second: Hughes / Strange Roll call vote: Columbus, yes ; Ferry, yes ; Hughes, yes ; LoIacono, absent ; Strange, yes ; Zappa, absent ; Motion passes: 4 yes, 2 absent Council spoke about the areas which will be done with this project. Motion to close the public hearing for Ordinance 2018-030: Motion / Second: Hughes / Strange Roll call vote: Columbus, yes ; Ferry, yes ; Hughes, yes ; LoIacono, absent ; Strange, yes ; Zappa, absent ; Motion passes: 4 yes, 2 absent Motion to adopt Ordinance 2018-030: Motion / Second: Hughes / Strange  Roll call vote: Columbus, yes ; Ferry, yes ; Hughes, yes ; LoIacono, absent ; Strange, yes ; Zappa, absent ; Motion passes: 4 yes, 2 absent OLD BUSINESS: A. Resolution 184-2018: Hydrant testing personnel appointments Motion to take Resolution 184-2018 from the table: Motion / Second: Strange/ Hughes Roll call vote: Columbus, yes ; Ferry, yes ; Hughes, yes ; LoIacono, absent ; Strange, yes ; Zappa, absent ; Motion passes: 4 yes, 2 absent Administrator Pappas spoke about the communication with Councilman Zappa, the reports being clear about the action to be taken. Motion to approve Resolution 184-2018: Motion / Second: Hughes / Strange Roll call vote: Columbus, yes ; Ferry, yes ; Hughes, yes ; LoIacono, absent ; Strange, yes ; Zappa, absent ; Motion passes: 4 yes, 2 absent DISCUSSION ITEMS: NONE AT THIS TIME INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES: A. Ordinance 2018-031: Adopt 2018 amended zoning map Motion to introduce: Motion / Second: Strange / Hughes Roll call vote: Columbus, yes ; Ferry, yes ; Hughes, yes ; LoIacono, absent ; Strange, yes ; Zappa, absent ; Motion passes: 4 yes, 2 absent The presiding officer states that Ordinance 2018-031 shall be published in whole or summary in the Express Times and/or the Hunterdon County Democrat with the public hearing date of August 16, 2018. COUNCIL COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS: Official Department Councilman Zappa Engineering, Department of Public Works No report at this time. Councilwoman Hughes Environmental, Solid Waste / Recycling, Public Health & Open Space Spoke about the document shredding event, rigid plastic event, the need for Commons weeding, mini park maintenance of trees and fence, weeds on Main Street, Borough Hall green-scaping Councilman LoIacono Education, Finance, Emergency Services No report at this time. Councilman Strange Economic Development Committee, Recreation Spoke to the search for grants and grant application, way-finding signs needing to be hung up, the bike park and dog park moving along, DPW brush piles and lot near Commons, the plan to do realtor tours, Summer Recreation going well, the Summer Recreation container needing replacement, the Recreation Committee guide book is being amended, pump track update, trail update, brochure creation for local recreation Councilwoman Ferry Cultural and Heritage, Events Spoke about the use of the Solitude House for the wedding, the coming speaker series, the coming Commons music, Community Day coming up, Halloweekend and the cancelation of the 5k run Councilman Columbus Golf Golf committee meeting update, Golf statistics read, discussed possible marketing strategies, a drainage issue which needs pricing, decking replacement, August 13 Committee meeting scheduled, spoke about the resident appreciation day. Michael Pappas Administrator Spoke about the caution tape around the playground equipment for a repair, annual  hydrant flushing, emergency squad tuition Resolution at the next meeting, request by the HBBA to post and advertise with a sign, realtor business recruitment day Mayor Mark Desire Executive Services Preformed a wedding at Lake Solitude, High Rail Brewing Company coming to Main Street, having a one day turn-around on the sale of a High Bridge home, 100 West Main Street vegetation and demolition work, road repairs with 60 tons of asphalt, Fire Department picnic and new fireman, Town of Clinton legal matter and going to the Town of Clinton meeting to try to help with getting to mediation, Eric Zimmerman presented on the audit which he said went well and complimented Bonnie Fleming on her organization. CONSENT AGENDA: Motion to amend the agenda to include Resolution 201-2018 on the consent agenda to approve the HBBA guided trail sign at the Commons: Motion / Second: Strange / Columbus Roll call vote: Columbus, yes ; Ferry, yes ; Hughes, yes ; LoIacono, absent ; Strange, yes ; Zappa, absent ; Motion passes: 4 yes, 2 absent Motion to amend the agenda to include Resolution 202-2018 on the consent agenda, fence of the dog park and aspects of the dog park not to open until DPW fence is settled: Motion / Second: Strange / Hughes Roll call vote: Columbus, yes ; Ferry, yes ; Hughes, yes ; LoIacono, absent ; Strange, yes ; Zappa, absent ; Motion passes: 4 yes, 2 absent RESOLUTION # TITLE Resolution – 193 - 2018 Anti-idling Resolution – 194 - 2018 Approval of Fireman – Christian Meyer Resolution – 195 - 2018 Professional contracts – fair and open awards Resolution – 196 - 2018 Certification of annual audit - 2017 rd Resolution – 197 - 2018 Extend grace period for 3 quarter property tax payments Resolution – 198 - 2018 Lien redemption Resolution – 199 - 2018 Refund summer recreation fee - Maravetz Resolution – 201 - 2018 Approval to place HBBA guided trail sign at the Commons Park Resolution – 202 - 2018 Approval to begin construction of Dog Park adjacent to the Commons Motion to approve the consent agenda items: Motion / Second: Hughes / Strange Roll call vote: Columbus, yes ; Ferry, yes ; Hughes, yes ; LoIacono, absent ; Strange, yes ; Zappa, absent ; Motion passes: 4 yes, 2 absent WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS: A. 2018 Zoning Map B. New Jersey Environmental Infrastructure notice C. Notification of Ordinance received D. Corrective action plan for 2017 audit E. Tax rate PUBLIC COMMENTS: 3 MINUTES PER PERSON Michele Lee asked about the letter sent to the Town of Clinton, spoke about other letters from meetings. Christina Whited asked about the water pipe in the Commons being fixed and Administrator Pappas spoke about being aware of it and it being low priority with the street repairs pending. Christina also spoke about the grass in front of the Golf course being dead with some trash on the ground. Councilman Columbus spoke about talking to Jay at the Golf course about the issue. Discussion ensued. LEGAL ISSUES: NONE AT THIS TIME BILL LIST: Approval of Bills as signed and listed on the Bill Payment List. Total Amount: $1,579,172.61 Motion to approve bill list: Motion / Second: Hughes / Strange Roll call vote: Columbus, yes ; Ferry, yes ; Hughes, yes ; LoIacono, absent ; Strange, yes ; Zappa, absent ; Motion passes: 4 yes, 2 absent EXECUTIVE SESSION: LEGAL ADVICE FOR TOWN OF CLINTON Resolution 200-2018 - Motion to move into executive session: Motion/Second: Hughes / Strange Roll call vote: Columbus, yes ; Ferry, yes ; Hughes, yes ; LoIacono, absent ; Strange, yes ; Zappa, absent ; Motion passes: 4 yes, 2 absent Action may now be taken. Motion to move into open session: Motion/Second: Columbus / Strange Roll call vote: Columbus, yes ; Ferry, yes ; Hughes, yes ; LoIacono, absent ; Strange, yes ; Zappa, absent ; Motion passes: 4 yes, 2 absent ADJOURNMENT: PRESIDING OFFICER ASKS IF THERE IS ANY FURTHER BUSINESS. Motion to adjourn: Motion / Second: Strange / Columbus Roll call vote: Columbus, yes ; Ferry, yes ; Hughes, yes ; LoIacono, absent ; Strange, yes ; Zappa, absent ; Motion passes: 4 yes, 2 absent Next regular meeting: August 16, 2018 – 7:30 pm – 97 West Main Street, High Bridge, NJ