OLD BRIDGE TOWNSHIP COUNCIL

An Agenda Meeting of the Township Council of the Township of Old Bridge was held on September 19, 2005 at the Rotary Senior Housing – 100 Ticetown Road, Old Bridge. The meeting was called to order by President Baker who thanked the residents of The Rotary Senior Housing for hosting the meeting. He then turned the meeting over to their Councilman, Kevin Calogera, of Ward 4 for the salute to the flag, prayer and moment of silence

Councilman Calogera asked for a moment of silence in memory of all the people who were lost in hurricane Katrina and for our troops who serve abroad that God protect them and bring them home safe.

President Baker then turned the meeting over to Mayor Jim Phillips. Mayor Phillips introduced his staff which included Mike Jacobs, Business Administrator, who has worked for the town for 1 1/2 years; Himanshu Shah, Chief Financial Officer who has worked for the town for 13 years; Tom Badcock, Head of Recreation Dept. and who has the overall responsibility for the Bush Center, he has worked for the town for 17 years. Ellen Ritchie, the newest member of the administration, comes to Old Bridge from Somerset County with 19 yrs. of experience as a planner and has been on the job for 1 1/2 months. Jerry Convery, Township Attorney. Mayor Phillips then turned the meeting over to President Baker.

President Baker introduced the members of the Township Council.

Roll call at 7:45 p.m. by Acting-Clerk Lisa Quaglietta showed the following members present: Councilmen Butler, Calogera, Gillespie, Maher, Testino, Volkert, Councilwoman Panos, President Baker. Councilman Greene was absent.

Acting-Clerk Lisa Quaglietta announced that this meeting is being held in conformance with the open public meetings act. Notice has been given to the newspaper and notice of the meeting has been posted in public places. Next open public meeting of the Council will be held on September 26, 2005 at 7:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers.

DISCUSSION ORDINANCE

DO-1 Ordinance to establish and participate in a Joint Flood Commission.

Attorney Convery explained to the residents the meaning of a discussion ordinance. He also stated that the towns that were asked to participate are Helmetta, Jamesburg, Spotswood, South River, Monroe, Old Bridge and East Brunswick. They were asked to participate with the County to look at various flood control measures.

Councilman Testino stated that by moving this up we are not committing any monies to the commission yet.

Attorney Convery stated that is correct.

Councilman Calogera stated that the reason we are doing this is to coordinate a regional approach to the flooding problems that exist.

Councilwoman Panos questioned the operating budget.

Mayor Phillips stated that there has been a grant that has been applied for with the intent to receive $100,000.00 from the Army Corp of Engineers. He further stated that at the present time there is no dollar commitment and there is no operating budget because they have a $100,000.00 grant from the Army Corp of Engineers.

Moved Up

DO-2 Codification Ordinance – Review of Final Draft

Attorney Convery defines codification. He stated that the town is nearing the final stages of the codification and that when completed will be able to be put on the web. He further stated that no official action will be taken at this time. He advised the Council that the final draft is available in the Clerk's office and that his assistant has prepared a memo, which is a brief outline of the codification which, if not handed out tonight, will be handed out to the Council members.

DO-3 Ordinance amending Section 10-8.9 Residential Permit Parking – (Trevor Place, Brandywine Drive and Woodruff Drive)

President Baker states that Kelsey Court has been added to this ordinance at the request of the homeowners' association in both developments. Due to complaints from the residents which included blocked mailboxes, garbage being left, etc., he asks the Council to support this ordinance. He states this is the same situation that existed on Valley Vale and the need to repeat the ordinance on Valley Vale to give the residents of Highpointe and Trevor Place to be able to park in front of their home and not be vandalized or abused.

Councilman Maher stated his opposition to this ordinance. He states that these students are residents of Old Bridge, their parents pay taxes to Old Bridge and they should have the right to park on the streets of Old Bridge. He further states that if students are cutting through backyards, and jumping fences, that should be brought to the attention of the police. He states that when the residents of Trevor Place bought their homes, there were complaints about the loudness of the speaker system in the parking lot. Also, there is a siren by Trevor Place and asked our emergency services personnel to relocate the siren. He further stated that residents of Highpointe, when they moved here, complained about the athletic fields, the lights, they asked the township to dim the lights at Geick Park and they were accommodated at a great expense to the township. He states there was supposed to be a traffic light at the end of Highpointe Way. That was part of their development process, the residents didn't want it and the light wasn't put in. Highpointe Way was supposed to be connected to Morganville Road the residents did not want that road connected to Morganville Road and again we listened to the residents and we didn't connect that road to Morganville Road, we blocked it. He states, “enough is enough”. He stated that there was a criminal act recently at Highpointe, Brandywine, where the tires of 7 childrens' cars were ice picked. He challenged the residents of Highpointe and Trevor Place to police themselves to find out who did this and turn the individual in. Mr. Maher is offering a $500.00 reward.

Councilman Calogera stated his opposition to this ordinance. He stated that he would like to see the Police address the issues of Highpointe and Trevor Place and if there are a few students creating the problem, to correct it. He feels that the local streets are the only place for them to park. He suggests that perhaps by getting together with the Police Department and the Board of Ed something could be worked out to use other properties we have to accommodate the students.

Councilwoman Panos stated that driving is an honor and a privilege. She wanted to know when the additional spaces will be available and how many more spaces would there be. She questioned if Geick Park could be made available for the students.

President Baker stated that a letter went out to all the seniors on Aug. 8th stating that at the request of the Old Bridge Police Department, notification was being provided that students are not permitted to park in Geick Park and that the Old Bridge Township Police Department would be aggressively monitoring and enforcing this regulation to maintain no student parking at Geick Park. President Baker stated he would have an answer to her first question after first reading.

Councilwoman Panos stated that she doesn't know why the Police Department said no to student parking at Geick Park.

President Baker responded to Councilwoman Panos by stating that at the next meeting when this is being discussed again he will have the Chief of Police available to
answer any questions or concerns on his policy.

Councilwoman Panos stated that she could not agree with this until there is more information.

President Baker stated we would be moving this up to first reading.

Councilman Maher stated that a vote should be taken on whether or not to move it up.

President Baker stated he would turn this over to Attorney Convery for the legal aspect.

Attorney Convery stated that this matter would be moved up and at the public hearing on Sept. 26th the Council would have the right to vote. He further stated that he
has spoken to the Chief of Police and the Chief of Police has indicated to him that he will be seeking, along with the administration, any and all other remedies that are available, but if no other remedies are available then the Council will have the option of going with residential permit parking for those four streets.

Councilman Maher stated that he disagrees with Mr. Convery in that the purpose of an Agenda meeting is not only to discuss items but also to discuss whether to move them up. He further stated that he would move to table this item.

Councilwoman Panos asked if the kids present were here for this reason. She stated they should stay until the end of the meeting and voice their concerns.

ACTION ITEM

AI-1 Authorizing execution of Residential Service Contract

President Baker opened the public portion. Seeing no hands from the public, President Baker closed the public portion.

Mayor Phillips suggested that Mike Jacobs, Business Administrator, explain what this is so that the public would understand what the Council was voting on.

Mr. Jacobs stated that the Township received notice that it's grant allocation from the Middlesex County Office on Aging was increased from $7,000.00 to $8,000.00. The Council would be voting tonight to accept the additional one thousand dollars.

Councilman Calogera questioned if formal action would have to be taken tonight.

Attorney Convery stated this item has been listed as an Action Item tonight. He further stated that he was told by the Clerk that action has to be taken at this meeting so that the results could get down to Trenton so that we can preserve the additional thousand dollars for the town in the grant.

RESOLUTION #443-05

WHEREAS, as required by the Middlesex County Office on Aging, this resolution by the Township Council of the Township of Old Bridge indicates acceptance by the Governing Body of its obligations the Amendment to increase Residential Maintenance Grant Contract No. SHTP-2405, appropriation Code 12-602, funding SHTP by $1,000.00 from $7,000.00 to $8,000.00; and

WHEREAS, the contract period for Residential Maintenance Grant is January 1, 2005 – December 31, 2005; and

WHEREAS, the authorized signatories shall be James T. Phillips, Mayor or W. Thomas Badcock, Director of Social Services or Dolores Lastoczy, Manager, Office on Aging.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Township Council of the Township of Old Bridge, County of Middlesex, State of New Jersey that the Middlesex County Office on Aging Contract ceiling will be $9,025.00 of which $8,000.00 are Federal Funds, $1,000.00 will be provided by the donor in its SFY 05 budget and $25.00 anticipated projected income.

Moved by Councilman Gillespie, seconded by Councilman Butler and so ordered on the following roll call vote:

AYES: Councilmen Butler, Calogera, Gillespie, Volkert, Councilwoman Panos, President Baker.

NAYS: None.

ABSTAIN: Councilman Testino.

ABSENT: Councilman Greene

ABSENT PODIUM: Councilman Maher

Prior to the vote, Councilwoman Panos stated that this is an agenda meeting and she doesn't like Action Items to be taken at an agenda meeting, however, this item does affect those that were present.

CONSENT AGENDA

C-1 Temporary Budget Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2006 – Current Budget in the Amount of $3,490,250.00, Arena Utility in the amount of $102,650.00 and Parking Utility in the amount of $27,000.00 totaling $3,619,900.00.

Moved Up

C-2 Resolution to reject Bid #2005-35 Sprinkler System for Old Bridge Civic Center (Insufficient paperwork)

Moved Up

APPROVAL OF MINUTES (9/26/05)

August 1, 2005 – Combined Meeting and August 22, 2005 – Combined Meeting

HEARINGS (9/26/05)

H-1 Release/Reduction Performance Guarantee the Grande at Old Bridge (Bridge Only).

H-2 Release/Reduction Performance Guarantee Old Bridge Funeral Home.

H-3 Release/Reduction Performance Guarantee Emporium Gas/Rocket Industries (Block 9000 Lot 28).

H-4 Release/Reduction Performance Guarantee Kara at Farrington Ridge, L.L.C.

PUBLIC HEARING (9/26/05)

Budget SFY 2006

Councilman Calogera had a request that in order for him to vote on C-1, he would like more information provided to him regarding Parking Utility and the Arena Utility.

President Baker suggested handing these question off to Mr. Shah at this time.

Mr. Shah stated that the temporary budget is the routine process that we go through until our final budget is adopted. Whatever we anticipate in temporary budget has to be adopted in final budget. He further stated that he will provide all the revenue and expense information for both utilities for last year because as you know this year only began in July. He also stated that the parking utility is self-supporting, there is no subsidy from tax payers for that, the arena has from time to time has generated a deficit in it's operations and we've been funding those deficits but it's much lower than in the past.

PUBLIC PORTION

Rose Lupo stated that before 400 students were put into that school arrangements for parking should have been made. She suggested the students park here and have a bus take them to the high school.

President Baker stated that most of the students have a bus ride to and from the school, they just prefer to take their car.

Frederick Conti expressed his concern about students parking at Highpointe and blocking residents' driveways.

Mr. Halavey stated his son parked at Highpointe, not in front of anyone's driveway, not littering and not vandalizing and his car tires were ice picked.

Male resident suggested the students arrange a car pool.

Ron M., a senior at Old Bridge High School, stated his need to drive to school due to the various activities he is involved in including sports, part-time employment, etc. Further states he parks at Trevor Place everyday since the beginning of school and has not seen any of the vandalism, littering, blocking of driveways that everyone is talking about. He states that at the entrance of Trevor Place there are two roads where there are no homes and that's where the seniors park. Further states that the spots that are supposed to be available in Oct. or early Nov. will not be available until at least December.

Steve, Vice-president, Homeowners' Assoc. of Trevor Place, wanted to clarify comments made by Councilman Maher about Trevor Place concerning the siren and speakers at the school. He states the siren was tested by EPA and found to beat a level that would damage an infant's ear. The siren was situated behind two homes that had infants at the time. Regarding the speakers at the school, the request was made during the summer hours when school was not in session to turn the speakers off. He states that although he understands the situation that these students are in, there is speeding through the development, vandalism, kids jumping over fences, and garbage in the streets. He is concerned that this is a dangerous situation and has contacted Chief Collow who said he would patrol the area.

Joanne Levine, resident of Society Hill states there is speeding going on everyday in her development. She further states that she parked at Highpointe following the incident where tires were ice picked for fear of something happening to her son and observed the students who parked there. According to her observation they did not block driveways, litter, or behave in a destructive manner.

Richard R. 12 year resident of Highpointe stated he lives across the street from where the students are parking. He states he has picked up littering including cigarettes, gum wrappers, soda cans, etc. He states he is in favor of an ordinance for permit parking.

Ralph LePore a resident of Trevor Place, resident for 24 years, has concerns about the unsafe driving of the students.

Brian Maher, student, parks in Highpointe, states his concerns about not having a place for students to park

Rich Kraut, Trevor Place, states the main issue in the development is the speeding—50 mph. and unsafe driving. He is concerned about the amount of cars parking in the entranceway which narrows it so that buses coming in and residents going out can't fit.

Tom Matarazzo, student, states he wasn't picked in the lottery but he parks at Highpointe because he has permission to park in front of his friend's house. He doesn't understand that with all the construction being done, no provisions for parking for students was made. He states he took the bus once but it was so crowded he had to sit in the aisle.

Mayor Phillips stated that in response to Councilwoman Panos's suggestion about parking at Geick Park, there would only be about 50 spaces and the mothers that go there with children to play on the swings would have no place to go, so that would not be a solution. He stated his concerns about parking at Trevor Pl. at the entranceway which narrows it for emergency vehicles. He further stated that as was done with Inverness and Breakfast Club, he would like to solicit the members of the community to see what their opinion is. In this next week he will have Mike Jacobs solicit the opinion of the people who live on the streets that are affected by this ordinance.

COUNCIL COMMENTS

Councilwoman Panos stated the Board of Education should have had spots or accommodations available for these children. She suggested giving the students parking permits for these streets so they would have to be responsible to their parking spots on the streets. She states some type of compromise has to be reached until more parking spaces are available in October or November.

Councilman Calogera states he agrees with some of Councilwoman Panos' comments. He would like to see what the Mayor has proposed by the next meeting. He understands the concerns of the senior residents regarding walking from the Rotary Senior Housing to Ticetown shopping Center. He has put in requests to eliminate the right turn coming off the ramp behind Hollywood Video and have the road come to a “T” so that people have to make a left or right onto Ticetown. He also stated a traffic study is being done about the traffic light at Valley Vale and Ticetown.

Councilman Maher thanked everyone for their time. He stated that three individuals who brought to his attention the height of the shrubbery walking from 100 Ticetown Road to the Shopping Center at Ticetown by the bank, to bring it to the attention of Mike Jacobs, the township manager.

Councilman Gillespie stated that the process that has been set up that anytime a group of homeowners or homeowners' association has petitioned the Council for residential parking permits we went through the process of surveying the residents of those affected streets and if their response indicated they wanted the residential parking we acquiesced to their wishes. He further stated that while this board has to function along some sort of notion of equity, the people in ward two need to know they will be treated, to a certain extent, as the people in ward four and the same as people of ward six.

Councilman Testino thanked the public members for their comments. He stated that he has been calling Bd. of Ed. members to enlighten them about some of the problems concerning the parking. Traffic going into the high school in the morning is also a major concern. He stated that the Mayor has requested and the Township has moved on a request to the County to reconfigure the light. He emphasized the need for residents affected by this ordinance to participate in the survey when called by the administrator. He further stated we need to cooperate with the Board of Ed to try to solve these problems. There is a Bd. of Ed. meeting tomorrow night and it is important to try to attend this meeting.

Councilman Butler thanked the residents for hosting the meeting. He stated that this Council will be looking at ways to solve this problem. He further stated the importance for public input at second reading of this ordinance.

President Baker stated that he is appalled that anyone would slash children's tires and he is determined to see the individual or individuals responsible apprehended. He further stated that he supports no parking on Trevor Place and Brandywine.

MOTION

to adjourn at 9:15 p.m. by President Baker, seconded by Councilman Gillespie and so ordered on an all aye vote.

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President William Baker

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Rose-Marie Saracino, Township Clerk

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Township of Old Bridge
1 Old Bridge Plaza
Old Bridge, NJ 08857
Main Phone: 732-721-5600