March 18, 2009
Deputy Mayor Ed Post called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. and stated that in compliance with the “Open Public Meeting Act” this is a Regular Meeting of the Township Committee as published in the Hunterdon Review, the agenda has been posted at the Municipal Building and distributed to the Hunterdon Review, Courier News, the Express Times, the Hunterdon County Democrat and the Star Ledger.
Deputy Mayor Post asked everyone to stand for the flag salute.
Present - Jay Weeks George Piazza
Ed Post Francis Morrison
Absent Patricia Schriver
Also Present - Attorney Eric Bernstein and Clerk Karen Sandorse and 9 members of the public.
Motion by Mr. Piazza, seconded by Mr. Weeks and carried by favorable roll call vote, the Township Committee approved minutes of the Regular Meeting of March 4, 2009.
AYES: Piazza, Post,
Weeks Abstain: Morrison
Motion by Mr. Piazza, seconded by Mr. Weeks and carried by favorable roll call vote, the Township Committee approved minutes of the Executive Session of March 4, 2009.
AYES: Piazza, Post,
Weeks Abstain: Morrison
OLD BUSINESS
Keith Chambers –
Township Garage Architect
Keith Chambers, Paul
Jones and Warren Gabriel were present to discuss the plans for the Township
Garage with the Township Committee. Keith stated that he is submitting the site
plan, the building floor plans for the various buildings on the site and the
estimate to go along with them. The
plans show a new DPW Garage, a new salt structure and a new fueling facility.
The present structures will be demolished. Keith provided an overview of the
plans. He said that he worked closely with Paul and the DPW crew as far as all
of the equipment they need to have under cover and to provide them with a
facility that is up to date and up to codes. Mr. Piazza asked Keith what he has
heard about receiving State funding. Keith stated that he heard that projects
that are “shovel ready” are the ones receiving the money. Keith stated that based the numbers for the
project on the design of the buildings, the numbers he received from DPW
suppliers and contractors who worked with him to come up with prevailing wages.
Mr. Post asked if the prices were based off of a square footage cost price for
site work. Keith stated that
yes the prices were
based off of Steve Risse, the Township Engineer. On this project, it was assumed that there
will be minimal site work since the paving is there and there is drainage.
Keith stated that in talking with Paul Jones, the cost may be less as the DPW
may be able to do some of the work themselves. Steve Risse assisted in the pricing for the
septic, well and the underground water tank. The estimated cost for the entire
project as submitted is $3,840,995.00.
Mr. Weeks stated
that he thinks you would need to add 10% to the price for the additional items
that will be needed. Discussion was held on possible funding and the annual
cost to the taxpayers. Mr. Piazza stated
that first he would like to see if the Township was able to obtain aid for the
project as that would change the whole picture.
Mr. Bernstein stated that in relation to the stimulus money, priority is
being given to “shovel ready” projects, which means that they are approved and
ready to go. Mr. Bernstein suggested
that someone speak to Congressman Lance.
A cover ready letter should be sent by the Mayor and a call should be
made. The cost for the preparation, to put the project out for public bid,
would be approximately $100,000.00. The
Clerk of the Works will need to be determined. Mr. Piazza asked if there is
anywhere to cut back on the project to cut back on costs. Paul Jones stated that as far as he was
concerned they have cut back as much as they possibly can. Attorney Bernstein reminded the Committee
that this is an estimate only and that they will not know the real cost until
they seek bids for the project.
Paul Jones stated to
the Committee that he does not know how much longer they want the DPW employees
to work under the conditions that they have been. The roof blew off last week, onto Paul’s
personal truck, it is raining harder inside than it is outside and something
needs to be done. One day someone is
going to come in and say that the building is not suitable and condemn it.
NEW BUSINESS
Approve Application
to Conduct “Coin Toss” -
Motion by Mr. Piazza, seconded by Mr. Weeks and carried by unanimous favorable roll call vote, the Township Committee approved an application to Conduct a “Coin Toss” for May 23rd and May 24th 2009, July 4th and July 5th 2009 and September 5th and September 6th 2009. Approvals are conditioned on approval from the Hunterdon County Freeholders and the State of New Jersey Commissioner of Transportation.
Schedule Budget
Worksession
Motion by Mr. Piazza, seconded by Mr. Morrison and carried by unanimous favorable roll call vote, the Township Committee scheduled a budge worksession to be held on Monday, March 23rd 2009 at 5:00 p.m. The Clerk is to arrange the proper notifications.
DPW Supervisor’s
Request to Seek Applications for Two Summer Employees
Motion by Mr. Piazza, seconded by Mr. Morrison and carried by unanimous favorable roll call vote, the Township Committee approved the hiring of two summer employees pending receipt of notification relative to Clean Communities funding.
PRESENTATION OF VOUCHERS
Committee Members provided a description of vouchers exceeding $1000.00.
Motion by Mr. Piazza, seconded by Mr. Weeks and carried by unanimous favorable roll call vote, the Township Committee approved the March 18, 2009 bill list in the amount of $44,099.60.
CORRESPONDENCE
Tax Collector’s Report for the Month of February 2009.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Motion by Mr. Piazza, seconded by Mr. Weeks and carried by unanimous favorable roll call vote, the Township Committee opened the Public Comment portion of the meeting.
Mr. Ron Milkowski stated that a few years ago, the Township Committee set up sub-committee for the DPW Garage Project, consisting of the Committee, Township employees and Township residents and nothing ever came of that. He asked why the building design is so scattered out. Mr. Milkowski made a few suggestions on the design of the building to make it user friendly. Mr. Milkowski stated that Washington Borough is constructing a 14 bay municipal garage for under a million dollars.
Ms. Andrea Hutchins, from the Lebanon Township First Aid Squad, inquired on the process to follow in conducting a coin toss in certain locations in the Township.
Mr. John Locker, of
Anthony Casale inquired on the status of the
Motion by Mr. Piazza, seconded by Mr. Weeks and carried by unanimous favorable roll call vote, the Township Committee closed the Public Comment portion of the meeting.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Motion by Mr. Piazza, seconded by Mr. Morrison and carried by unanimous favorable roll call vote, the Township Committee approved Resolution No. 33-2009 and convened in executive session at 8:11 p.m.
RESOLUTION NO. 33-2009
BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Township Committee of the Township of
Public to discuss the following matters:
Hyland v.
Attorney Client Privileges – Municipal Court of North Hunterdon
Motion by Mr. Piazza, seconded by Mr. Morrison and carried by unanimous favorable roll call vote, the Township Committee reconvened the Regular Committee meeting at 8:34 p.m.
Attorney Bernstein
stated that all members of the Governing Body present at the commencement of
the executive session were present at the recommencement of the open session as
well as the Township Clerk and the Township Attorney. There was a discussed
raised relative to possible litigation and attorney client privilege amounts
related to the Municipal Court of North Hunterdon as relayed by the Court
Liaison. No formal action is to be taken at this time. There was an
update by the Township Attorney relative to the ongoing litigation of Hyland v.
Having no further business to come before the Committee a motion was made by Mr. Piazza, seconded by Mr. Morrison and carried by unanimous favorable roll call vote to adjourn the meeting at 8:35 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
_______________________________
Karen J. Sandorse, RMC/CMC
Municipal Clerk
Approved: April 1, 2009 ___________________________
Deputy Mayor, Edward Post III