City Council

BOROUGH OF HIGH BRIDGE – COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES Date: September 13, 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: MEETING CALLED TO ORDER BY MAYOR DESIRE 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 Also present were Administrator Michael Pappas, Acting Clerk Adam Young, Borough Attorney Barry Goodman, Chief of Police Brett Bartman and nine members of the public and press. READING AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Motion to dispense with the reading of the regular August 16, 2018 minutes: Motion / Second: Hughes / Zappa Roll call vote: Columbus, yes ; Ferry, yes ; Hughes, yes ; LoIacono, absent ; Strange, yes ; Zappa, yes ; Motion passes: 5 yes, 1 absent Motion to approve the August 16, 2018 regular minutes: Motion / Second: Hughes / Strange Roll call vote: Columbus, yes ; Ferry, yes ; Hughes, yes ; LoIacono, absent ; Strange, yes ; Zappa, yes ; Motion passes: 5 yes, 1 absent APPOINTMENTS: A. Recreation Committee appointments – Colleen Hann, Terrie Sostorecz, Joe Campolattano Motion to approve Resolution 225-2018, appointments to the Recreation Committee: Strange; Second: Hughes Roll call vote: Columbus, yes ; Ferry, yes ; Hughes, yes ; LoIacono, absent ; Strange, yes ; Zappa, yes ; Motion passes: 5 yes, 1 absent PUBLIC COMMENTS: 5 MINUTES PER PERSON Councilman LoIacono enters. Theresa Woods spoke about her request to Council for mowing and pothole repair near her home. Council reported that the mowing and management of that area is on the work list for the Department of Works, the list of requests is long, the possibility of returning some space to woods, maintenance of the area, and planning ahead with that space for the future. Nancy Hunt of 103 Fairview Ave. asked that Council bring Solitude House requests to the Cultural and Heritage Committee and spoke about the history of the Annex. Council spoke about receiving this information for review and exploring the information for Annex repairs by putting the document on record. Mayor Desire spoke about Max Fox to the Borough and Council. PUBLIC HEARINGS: A. Ordinance 2018-032: Appropriating $35,000 from the capital improvement fund for various improvements to the High Bridge Hills golf course Motion to open the public hearing for Ordinance 2018-032: Motion / Second: Zappa / Strange Roll call vote: Columbus, yes ; Ferry, yes ; Hughes, yes ; LoIacono, yes ; Strange, yes ; Zappa, yes ; Motion passes: 6 yes  Councilman Columbus spoke about items discussed at the Golf Committee meeting; fixing issues at the Golf Course including seepage from a spring and a hole in the barn. Discussion ensued. Christina Whited spoke about a well being on the property. Council spoke about the well and springs found there were producing enough water to supplement the course. Motion to close the public hearing for Ordinance 2018-032: Motion / Second: LoIacono / Strange Roll call vote: Columbus, yes ; Ferry, yes ; Hughes, yes ; LoIacono, yes ; Strange, yes ; Zappa, yes ; Motion passes: 6 yes Motion to adopt Ordinance 2018-032: Motion / Second: Columbus / LoIacono Roll call vote: Columbus, yes ; Ferry, yes ; Hughes, yes ; LoIacono, yes ; Strange, yes ; Zappa, yes ; Motion passes: 6 yes OLD BUSINESS: A. Ordinance 2018-022: An Ordinance to amend Chapter 167, Article IV, High Bridge Hills Golf, of the code of the Borough of High Bridge, establishing golf rates Motion to take Ordinance 2018-022 from the table: Motion / Second: Strange / Columbus Roll call vote: Columbus, yes ; Ferry, yes ; Hughes, yes ; LoIacono, yes ; Strange, yes ; Zappa, yes ; Motion passes: 6 yes Motion to re-open the public hearing for Ordinance 2018-022: Motion / Second: Columbus / LoIacono Roll call vote: Columbus, yes ; Ferry, yes ; Hughes, yes ; LoIacono, yes ; Strange, yes ; Zappa, yes ; Motion passes: 6 yes Councilman Columbus spoke about the current rate structure being in place being sufficient and there not being a need to set a new rate structure and reevaluate at the end of the year. Motion to close the public hearing for Ordinance 2018-022: Motion / Second: LoIacono / Columbus Roll call vote: Columbus, yes ; Ferry, yes ; Hughes, yes ; LoIacono, yes ; Strange, yes ; Zappa, yes ; Motion passes: 6 yes Motion to adopt Ordinance 2018-022: Motion / Second: No motion made DISCUSSION ITEMS: Motion to amend the agenda to add “Fall Craft and Antique Fair” discussion item C.: Motion / Second: Ferry / Strange Roll call vote: Columbus, yes ; Ferry, yes ; Hughes, yes ; LoIacono, yes ; Strange, yes ; Zappa, yes ; Motion passes: 6 yes A. Salary and wage ranges – Administrator Pappas spoke about the need to make a proposal to adjust salary and wage ranges in the future to include. B. Cregar Road speed limit – Police Chief Bartman read speed data. Council discussed the speed limits currently posted and the intent to make the speed limits the same on both areas of Cregar Rd. C. Fall Craft and Antique Fair – Councilwoman Ferry discussed having the Fall Craft and Antique Fair. Councilman Zappa spoke about supporting the event but trying to cut down on adding items to the agenda at the last minute for the benefit of the public. Attorney Goodman spoke to Council and the public about the Open Public Meeting Act and the process for amending the agenda. Discussion about logistics ensued. Motion to add Resolutions, Special Event Fall Craft and amending special event fees, on consent agenda: Motion / Second: Ferry / Strange Roll call vote: Columbus, no ; Ferry, yes ; Hughes, no ; LoIacono, no ; Strange, yes ; Zappa, no ; Motion does not pass: 4 no, 2 yes INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES: Motion to amend the agenda to add Ordinance 2018-037 and introduce Ordinance 2018-037, to reduce the speed limit for Cregar Rd., zone 2 to the 25 M.P.H.: Motion / Second: Strange / Ferry Roll call vote: Columbus, yes ; Ferry, yes ; Hughes, yes ; LoIacono, yes ; Strange, yes ; Zappa, yes ; Motion passes: 6 yes The presiding officer states that Ordinance 2018-037 shall be published in whole or summary in the Express Times and/or the Hunterdon County Democrat with the public hearing date of September 27th, 2018. A. Ordinance 2018-033: Appropriating an additional $10,000 from the Water Capital Improvement Fund for a water main bypass on Mine Rd. Motion to introduce: Motion / Second: Zappa / Strange Roll call vote: Columbus, yes ; Ferry, yes ; Hughes, yes ; LoIacono, yes ; Strange, yes ; Zappa, yes ; Motion passes: 6 yes The presiding officer states that Ordinance 2018-033 shall be published in whole or summary in the Express Times and/or the Hunterdon County Democrat with the public hearing date of September 27th, 2018. B. Ordinance 2018-034: Appropriating $15,000 from the Capital Improvement Fund for preliminary engineering for McDonald St. road improvements Motion to introduce: Motion / Second: LoIacono / Hughes Roll call vote: Columbus, yes ; Ferry, yes ; Hughes, yes ; LoIacono, yes ; Strange, yes ; Zappa, yes ; Motion passes: 6 yes The presiding officer states that Ordinance 2018-034 shall be published in whole or summary in the Express Times and/or the Hunterdon County Democrat with the public hearing date of September 27th, 2018. C. Ordinance 2018-035: Appropriating $60,000 from Current Capital Improvement Fund for surveillance equipment and installation Motion to introduce: Motion / Second: Strange / Hughes Roll call vote: Columbus, yes ; Ferry, yes ; Hughes, yes ; LoIacono, yes ; Strange, yes ; Zappa, yes ; Motion passes: 6 yes The presiding officer states that Ordinance 2018-035 shall be published in whole or summary in the Express Times and/or the Hunterdon County Democrat with the public hearing date of September 27th, 2018. Motion to amend the agenda to move item D. Ordinance 2018-036 from Introduction of Ordinances to after Executive Session: Hughes / Strange Roll call vote: Columbus, yes ; Ferry, yes ; Hughes, yes ; LoIacono, yes ; Strange, yes ; Zappa, yes ; Motion passes: 6 yes CONSENT AGENDA: Motion to remove Resolution 219-2018, Borough Recreation event – High Bridge Adventure Race, for discussion: Motion / Second: Columbus / Strange Roll call vote: Columbus, yes ; Ferry, yes ; Hughes, yes ; LoIacono, yes ; Strange, yes ; Zappa, yes ; Motion passes: 6 yes Councilman Strange spoke about the details of the trail to be utilized with the Adventure Race and the need to amend the Resolution to include the fee of $15 per entrant. Motion to amend Resolution 219-2018 to include the $15 per entrant fee and the event to be approved subject to approval by Administrator Pappas: Motion / Second: Strange / Columbus Roll call vote: Columbus, yes ; Ferry, yes ; Hughes, yes ; LoIacono, yes ; Strange, yes ; Zappa, yes ; Motion passes: 6 yes Motion to approve Resolution 219-2018 as amended: Motion / Second: Strange / Columbus Roll call vote: Columbus, yes ; Ferry, yes ; Hughes, yes ; LoIacono, yes ; Strange, yes ; Zappa, yes ; Motion passes: 6 yes RESOLUTION # TITLE Resolution – 213 - 2018 Authorization to advertise – Director of the Department of Public Works/Water/Sewer Operator Resolution – 214 - 2018 Award of Contract – Fire Hydrants – Beaver St. Resolution – 215 - 2018 Award of Contract – Fire Hydrants – Cokesbury Rd. – Silverthorne Rd. Resolution – 216 - 2018 Award of Contract – Fire Hydrants – Wilson Ave Resolution – 217 - 2018 Appointment of Mediator Resolution – 218 - 2018 Award of Contract – Zero Turn Mower Resolution – 219 - 2018 Borough Recreation event – High Bridge Adventure Race Resolution – 220 - 2018 Capital budget amendment Resolution – 221 - 2018 Chapter 159 – Distracted driving Resolution – 222 - 2018 Lien redemption Resolution – 223 - 2018 Utility adjustment – 10 Church St. Motion to approve the consent agenda items as amended: Motion / Second: Hughes / Strange Roll call vote: Columbus, yes ; Ferry, yes ; Hughes, yes ; LoIacono, yes ; Strange, yes ; Zappa, yes ; Motion passes: 6 yes WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS: A. End of month Tax and Finance reports B. Report of Audit – High Bridge Free Public Library C. Report of Audit – LOSAP Program D. Annex repairs – Discussion ensued about repairs being reviewed with Cultural and Heritage and Council E. Mediator letter PUBLIC COMMENTS: 3 MINUTES PER PERSON Nancy Hunt asked if a qualified lifeguard will be present for the Adventure Race. Council stated that the EMTs have swift water rescue training and that several members will be present to assist. Michele Lee asked if the Risk Manager has seen the entire adventure race, if the speed tracking sign on Cregar Road can be moved to West Main Street, and welcomed the Mayor to Facebook. Discussion of the issue ensued about the handling of OPRA requests with Council, Committees, and approval process and edits. Council spoke about installing a post and getting some data, East Main Street requesting the sign first, the need for sun to power the solar sign, the number of races that have been done on the Nassau trails over the years. Mike Darmstadt stated that he is dismayed by the hold up from Cultural and Heritage about the proposed repairs to The Annex, gave examples of water damage he has found in the building, and asked how to proceed in this situation. Administrator Pappas spoke about the provisions in the lease for how these items are submitted to a sub- committee. Discussion ensued about the process of continuing to utilize the Annex. Christina Whited spoke about the craft fair on Main Street during the 275th Anniversary, the profitability of the event, and other event logistics. Mayor Desire spoke about Business Recruitment Day and a non-profit donation of defibrillators to the Borough. LEGAL ISSUES: Attorney Goodman updated everyone that the arbitration with the Town of Clinton is stayed and that the parties have agreed to use mediation starting on September 25th or October 10th. BILL LIST: Approval of Bills as signed and listed on the Bill Payment List. Total Amount: $497,144.35 Motion to approve bill list: Motion / Second: Zappa / Strange Roll call vote: Columbus, yes ; Ferry, yes ; Hughes, yes ; LoIacono, yes ; Strange, yes ; Zappa, yes ; Motion passes: 6 yes EXECUTIVE SESSION: MUNICIPAL CLERK POSITION AND LEGAL ADVICE FOR TOWN OF CLINTON Resolution 224-2018 - Motion to move into executive session: Motion/Second: LoIacono / Strange 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: Motion / Second: LoIacono / Strange Roll call vote: Columbus, yes ; Ferry, yes ; Hughes, yes ; LoIacono, yes ; Strange, yes ; Zappa, yes ; Motion passes: 6 yes D. Ordinance 2018-036: Salary and wage range of officers and employees Motion to amend Ordinance 2018-036 to include a Clerk Position and to set the salary range from $40,000 to $80,000: Motion / Second: LoIacono / Columbus Roll call vote: Columbus, yes ; Ferry, yes ; Hughes, yes ; LoIacono, yes ; Strange, yes ; Zappa, yes ; Motion passes: 6 yes Motion to introduce Ordinance 2018-036 as amended: LoIacono / Strange Roll call vote: Columbus, yes ; Ferry, yes ; Hughes, yes ; LoIacono, yes ; Strange, yes ; Zappa, yes ; Motion passes: 6 yes The presiding officer states that Ordinance 2018-036 shall be published in whole or summary in the Express Times and/or the Hunterdon County Democrat with the public hearing date of September 27th, 2018. ADJOURNMENT: PRESIDING OFFICER ASKS IF THERE IS ANY FURTHER BUSINESS. Motion to adjourn: Motion / Second: LoIacono / Columbus Roll call vote: Columbus, yes ; Ferry, yes ; Hughes, yes ; LoIacono, yes ; Strange, yes ; Zappa, yes ; Motion passes: 6 yes Next regular meeting: September 27, 2018 – 7:30 pm – 97 West Main Street, High Bridge, NJ