Borough Council

BOROUGH OF MILLTOWN 2024 Borough Council Meeting December 23, 2024 at 7pm Meeting Minutes The Borough Council Meeting of the Milltown Borough Council was held on December 23, 2024, at Milltown Borough Hall, 39 Washington Avenue, Milltown, New Jersey. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Murray at 7:00 PM. The Clerk read the following statement: Adequate notice of this meeting has been provided as required under Chapter 231, P.L. 1975, specifying the time, date, and location by posting a copy of the notice on the Municipal Building, Municipal Website, providing a copy of the Annual Notice Schedule to the official newspapers of the Borough and is on file in the Clerk’s Office. The Clerk took Roll Call ROLL CALL Present Absent Council President Revolinsky X Councilman Collins X Councilman Manco X Councilman Posnansky X Councilman Potter X Councilman Zambrana X Mayor Murray X Borough Attorney Peter Vignuolo X Borough Engineer Mike McClelland X Borough Engineer Lou Ploskonka X Borough Administrator Fred Carr X Borough Clerk Monica Orlando X Mayor Murray announced a moment of silence followed by a salute to the flag. Public Comment: Mayor Murray opened the meeting to the public for comments on Agenda Resolutions only. Seeing no one wishing to speak, the Mayor closed this public portion of the meeting. Accepting meeting minutes December 9, 2024, Regular Meeting minutes. Councilman Revolinsky motioned the meetings be accepted as typed. Second by Councilman Potter. All in favor. Page 1 of 9  BOROUGH OF MILLTOWN 2024 Borough Council Meeting December 23, 2024 at 7pm Ordinance Public Hearing/Second Reading Ordinance 24-1553: Ordinance to Amend Chapter XXV, Water, Section 25-4.1, Water Rates, of the Revised General Ordinances of the Borough of Milltown ROLL CALL VOTE Motion Second Aye Nay Abstain Absent Council President Revolinsky X X Councilman Collins X Councilman Manco X X Councilman Posnansky X Councilman Potter X Councilman Zambrana X Mayor Murray opened the meeting to the public for comments on this ordinance only. Seeing no one wishing to speak, the Mayor closed this public portion of the meeting. Councilman Collins noted his displeasure with the water bill. Councilman Posnansky read a statement about his stance on the ordinance. Ordinance Public Hearing/Second Reading Ordinance 24-1554: Ordinance to Amend Chapter XXVI, Sewer, Section 26-7.2, Sewer Use Charges, of the Revised General Ordinances of the Borough of Milltown, and Delete Chapter XXVI, Sewer, Section 26-7.9, Sewer Use Charges of the Revised General Ordinances of the Borough of Milltown ROLL CALL VOTE Motion Second Aye Nay Abstain Absent Council President Revolinsky X X Councilman Collins X Councilman Manco X X Councilman Posnansky X Councilman Potter X Councilman Zambrana X Mayor Murray opened the meeting to the public for comments on this ordinance only. Seeing no one wishing to speak, the Mayor closed this public portion of the meeting. Councilman Collins expressed his shock and frustration in the expense of the sewer bill due to the contract stipulations. Approval of Bill List Ms. Orlando read Resolution 2024-333 Authorizing Payment of Municipal Obligations by Title. Page 2 of 9  BOROUGH OF MILLTOWN 2024 Borough Council Meeting December 23, 2024 at 7pm ROLL CALL VOTE Motion Second Aye Nay Abstain Absent Council President Revolinsky X X Councilman Collins X Councilman Manco X Councilman Posnansky X Councilman Potter X X Councilman Zambrana X Councilman Posnansky asked about a charge marked Cleary, which was explained by the BA as the final bill for the special council. Councilman Posnansky also asked about a Rothstein bill which was explained as the labor attorney’s bill. Councilman Posnansky also asked about the remaining time for Suplee Clonie, the BA explained that with the Finance office being fully staffed Suplee’s involvement has been significantly reduced. Consent Agenda Ms. Orlando read Resolution 2024-334. Resolution 2024-334 WHEREAS, pursuant to the Rules of Council, the Council may establish a Consent Agenda for any regular or special meetings upon certain conditions; and WHEREAS, each of the following Resolutions to be presented before the Borough Council at its December 23, 2024 Meeting appear to have the unanimous approval of all members of the Borough Council: Resolution 2024-335: Authorizing Execution of a Memorandum of Understanding with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and the Steering Committee of the Milltown Ford Avenue Redevelopment Agency Resolution 2024-336: Authorizing Award of Fair and Open Contract - Bid #24-05 - North Brook Road Improvements – Lancha Construction Corporation – Not to Exceed $638,027.96 Resolution 2024-337: Authorizing Tax Exemption - 100% Disabled Veteran and Tax Credit to Same Resolution 2024-338: Authorizing Tax Refund - 100% Disabled Veteran Resolution 2024-339: Authorizing Requesting Permission for the Dedication by Rider for Milltown Day Celebration NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Borough Council of the Borough of Milltown that each of the above-listed Resolutions be approved and adopted by the Borough Council, with the same legal effect as though each was read in its entirety at the December 23, 2024 Meeting and adopted by separate vote. Page 3 of 9  BOROUGH OF MILLTOWN 2024 Borough Council Meeting December 23, 2024 at 7pm ROLL CALL VOTE Motion Second Aye Nay Abstain Absent Council President Revolinsky X X Councilman Collins X Councilman Manco X Councilman Posnansky X Councilman Potter X X Councilman Zambrana X Councilman Collins asked about a timeline for the North Brook Drive improvements, which was provided by the borough engineer. The following are the resolutions adopted as part of the Consent Agenda Resolu on 2024-335 WHEREAS, the Milltown Ford Avenue Redevelopment Agency (the “Agency”) seeks to cause the redevelopment of property known as the Ford Avenue Site, designating and consisting of contiguous Lots 1.01, 1.02, 1.03, and 1.07 in Block 58, and Block 59.01, Lot 5.01 as designated on the Tax Map of the Borough of Milltown; and WHEREAS, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (“NJDEP”) had previously designated the Ford Avenue Redevelopment Site as a Brownfield Development Area (“BDA”), which required the Agency to follow the guidelines under the oversight of the NJDEP for environmental investigation and remediation of the Ford Avenue Site through the BDA process; and WHEREAS, The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (“EDA”) approved Hazardous Discharge Site Remediation Fund grant funding for the Agency to perform investigation and remediation of the Ford Avenue Redevelopment Site; and WHEREAS, as part of the revitalization and remediation of the site, a memorandum of understanding (“MOU”) was entered into among the Borough of Milltown, the Milltown Ford Avenue Brownfield Development Area Steering Committee (“Steering Committee”), and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) to help facilitate and guide the remediation and redevelopment efforts; WHEREAS, NJDEP is currently updating its files regarding its current inventory of brownfield sites; and, as part of that effort, they have asked that the MOU be renewed to update the members of the Steering Committee and confirm that there are no changes to the redevelopment site; and WHEREAS, the Borough Council believes execution of the attached Memorandum of Understanding is appropriate. Page 4 of 9  BOROUGH OF MILLTOWN 2024 Borough Council Meeting December 23, 2024 at 7pm NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Borough Council of the Borough of Milltown that the Mayor is hereby authorized to execute the attached Memorandum of Understanding with the NJDEP and the Steering Committee of the Agency. Resolu on 2024-336 WHEREAS, the Borough advertised for and received bids for Bid #24-05 North Brook Drive Improvements, in accordance with N.J.S.A. 40A:11-1 et seq. and N.J.S.A. 19:44A-20.5; and WHEREAS, seven (7) bid proposals were received and publicly opened on December 17, 2024: VENDOR Lump Sum Lancha Construction Corporation $638,027.96 Black Rock Enterprises $652,115.87 S&G Paving, Inc. $662,000.00 KM Construction Corporation $679,951.00 Jads Constructions Corporation $709,303.54 Lucas Brothers, Inc. $715,715.00 Z Brothers Inc. $771,463.00 ; and WHEREAS, Lancha Construction Corporation has been determined to be the lowest responsible bidder in accord with N.J.S.A. 40A:11-4a; and WHEREAS, it is the recommendation of the Borough Engineer to award the contract for Bid #24-05 North Brook Drive Improvements to Lancha Construction Corporation consistent with the bid submittal, dated December 17, 2024; and WHEREAS, the Chief Financial Officer for the Borough of Milltown certifies that free and unencumbered funds in the amount of $638,027.96 are available. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Borough Council of the Borough of Milltown, County of Middlesex, State of New Jersey hereby #24-05 North Brook Drive Improvements to Lancha Construction Corporation in the amount $638,027.96, pursuant to the terms of their bid; and subject to NJDOT approval, and that the appropriate officials be and are hereby authorized to execute the contract with the contractor. Resolution 2024-337 WHEREAS, said Veteran became the owner of the property in the Borough of Milltown on August 19, 2024, and WHEREAS said Veteran was determined to be 100% permanently and totally disabled by the Department of Veteran’s Affairs WHEREAS, said Veteran filed their claim for the Veteran tax exemption with the proper official of the Borough of Milltown, Middlesex County; and Page 5 of 9  BOROUGH OF MILLTOWN 2024 Borough Council Meeting December 23, 2024 at 7pm WHEREAS, the Tax Assessor has allowed the following Veteran a prorated tax exemption for the third quarter and a full tax exemption for the fourth quarter based on the date of acquisition of the property, effective September 1st, 2024, in the amount of $4,412.61. NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the Mayor and Borough Council of the Borough of Milltown, Middlesex County, that the Chief Financial Officer and the Tax Collector of the Borough of Milltown, Middlesex County be instructed to credit the account of the taxpayer(s) shown for the amounts provided therein. Tax Name Block Lot Amount Reason Year Sarah Acevedo 27 12 $4,412.61 2024 Totally Disabled Veteran Tax-Exempt Property (15F) Resolution 2024-338 WHEREAS, the Collector has notified the Borough Chief Financial Officer that certain tax refunds be authorized; and WHEREAS, the Borough Chief Financial Officer has reviewed the circumstances surrounding these refunds and has recommended to the Borough Council that the appropriate Borough officials be authorized to issue said refunds, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Borough Council of the Borough of Milltown that the appropriate Borough officials be and are hereby authorized to issue the following refunds: Tax Name: Block Lot Amount Reason Make Check Payable Year Totally Disabled Sarah Sarah Acevedo Veteran Tax- Acevedo 27 12 $4,412.61 2024 221 Highland Drive Exempt Property Milltown, NJ 08850 (15F) Resolution 2024-339 WHEREAS, permission is required of the Director of the Division of Local Government Services for approval as a dedica on by rider of revenues received by a municipality when the revenue is not subject to reasonably accurate es mates in advance; and WHEREAS, NJSA 40A:5-29 provides for receipt of dona ons and contribu ons by the municipality to provide for the opera ng costs to administer this act; and WHEREAS, NJSA 40A:4-39 provides the dedicated revenues an cipated from the Milltown Day Celebra on for the benefit of the residents are hereby an cipated as revenue and are hereby appropriated for the purpose to which said revenue is dedicated by statute or other legal requirements: Page 6 of 9  BOROUGH OF MILLTOWN 2024 Borough Council Meeting December 23, 2024 at 7pm NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Mayor and Borough Council of the Borough of Milltown, in the County of Middlesex State of New Jersey as follows: 1. The Governing Body does hereby request permission of the Director of the Division of Local Government Services to pay expenditures of the Milltown Day Celebra on for the benefit of the residents. 2. The Clerk of the Borough of Milltown, County of Middlesex, State of New Jersey is hereby directed to forward two cer fied copies of this Resolu on to the Director of the Division of Local Government Services. Reports from Elected Officials Councilman Revolinsky noted Ford Avenue updates will be in the new year. He expressed his pleasure in the ordinances passing tonight and noted his concern about the work that still needs to be done for the electric rates. Councilman Collins had no report. Councilman Manco announced upcoming events and classes at the library and noted holiday closures. He provided registration dates for recreation programs and highlighted programs and events from the holiday season. Councilman Posnansky reported on the Schwendeman cabin property and expressed his beliefs other pressing needs take precedence with the use of taxpayer dollars. Councilman Potter noted police commendations for Officer McCabe’s organization of the holiday toy drive and Sargent Dinnis for his Letters to Santa program. Councilman Potter thanked the first responders for escorting Santa and wished happy holidays to the township residents. Councilman Zambrana had no report. Reports from Borough Professionals There were no reports from the Borough Engineer or Borough Attorney. The Business Administrator provided the bond anticipation notice for 2024. The Borough Clerk notified residents about dog license renewals and provided information about rabies vaccine requirements and the free clinics in Middlesex county. Page 7 of 9  BOROUGH OF MILLTOWN 2024 Borough Council Meeting December 23, 2024 at 7pm Old Business Councilman Posnansky gave a statement about the investigation, providing his beliefs on the matter and its outcome. He also spoke about the tax liability on the Ford Avenue site and the additional loss of revenue from lack of progress. New Business Councilman Collins thanked the council for the holiday party for the borough employees. Public Comment Mayor Murray opened the meeting to Public Comment. Dorry McCurio, 3 Birch, Abby Taylor, 202 Washington, and Margret O’Donnel, 89 Kulthau Avenue, came forward as representatives of the women’s volleyball program and spoke about inequity in the pricing of the men’s and women’s programs rates by 50%. They expressed their frustrations in relation to prior attempts to resolve this issue and encouraged the council to resolve this issue to be more equitable. The Mayor spoke about rate increases across recreation, Ms. O’Donnel noted the current rates are the same price for men's programs lasting 18 weeks in comparison to programs lasting 12 weeks for women’s programs. The representatives and the council discussed fees, expanding programs, and other options for resolving this issue. Rosa Tavares, 100 Riva Ave, provided information to residents about contaminants resulting from the lead service lines and reverse osmosis filters. She also asked clarifying questions about the recently passed water and sewer bills. The council provided explanations to help residents anticipate upcoming billing. They discussed the new alert system and Ms. Tavares thanked the council for expediting the water and sewer matters and extended holiday wishes to the same. Jackie Revolinsky, 32 Elm Place, extended thanks to the emergency service workers and the town’s DPW, and thanked Councilman Revolinsky for his contributions. She encouraged the council to continue to work together in a timely manner to help the residents. Lee Weisenberger, 99 JFK Dr., asked questions about the trestle search and its form of authorization for the search. Answers to his questions were provided by the borough attorney and the clerk. Seeing no others wishing to speak, the mayor closed the public portion of this meeting. Council Comments Councilman Posnansky thanked Councilman Revolinsky for his service and knowledge. He also thanked the council for hosting the holiday party, the employees for their hard work, and Camillo’s for generously providing the catering. He also wished the residents happy holidays. Councilman Collins also thanked Councilman Revolinsky for his service and extended holiday wishes to the residents. Councilman Revolinsky encouraged the council to reinvest in their personnel and infrastructure to best serve the town. He read a statement about the town, and his time in service, expressed his thanks, and wished the residents happy holidays. Page 8 of 9  BOROUGH OF MILLTOWN 2024 Borough Council Meeting December 23, 2024 at 7pm Councilman Potter thanked Councilman Revolinsky for his years of service and extended holiday wishes to the residents. Councilman Manco expressed his thanks to Councilman Revolinsky for his service and his encouragement for him to join the council. He also extended holiday wishes to the residents. Councilman Zambrana also thanked Councilman Revolinsky, encouraging him to enjoy the time. Proclamation The Mayor read a proclamation honoring Council President Revolinsky for his years of service. Mayor Comments The mayor congratulated Councilman Revolinsky and thanked him and his family for his time these many years. The mayor confirmed that there was no executive session as previously listed on the agenda. This was confirmed by the borough attorney, noting this was a placeholder in the event it was needed, but was happy to report it was not necessary this evening. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Murray asked for a motion to adjourn. A motion was made by Councilman Collins and seconded by Councilman Posnansky to adjourn the meeting at 7:56 pm. All in favor. None opposed. Respectfully submitted, Mary Guinee Milltown Deputy Borough Clerk Page 9 of 9