OLD BRIDGE TOWNSHIP COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
October 27, 2003
A Regular Meeting of the Township Council of the Township of Old Bridge was held on Monday evening October 27, 2003 at 8:00 p.m., in the Municipal Complex. The meeting was called to order by Chairman Baker, who asked all present to participate in a salute to the flag which was followed by a short prayer. Deputy Clerk Ward 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.
Roll call by Deputy Clerk Ward showed the following members present: Councilmen Baker, Calogera, Greene, Maher, Testino, Councilwoman Panos. (Absent: Councilmen Hoff, Redmond, President Butler)
Motion
Motion to have Councilman Baker chair the meeting made by Councilman Testino, seconded by Councilman Maher and so ordered on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmen Baker, Greene, Maher, Testino.
NAYS: Councilman Calogera
ABSENT PODIUM: Councilwoman Panos
ABSENT: Councilmen Hoff, Redmond, President Butler
Bill List:
RESOLUTION #555
BE IT RESOLVED, by the Township Council of the Township of Old Bridge, County of Middlesex, State of New Jersey that:
WHEREAS, the Business Administrator has the responsibility of approving all bills and vouchers subject to preaudit and control; and
WHEREAS, the Director of Finance is responsible for the preaudit, the disbursement of all monies and the control over all expenditures to ensure that the budget appropriations are not exceeded; and
WHEREAS, the Finance Committee of the Township Council has satisfied themselves in respect to the bill listing of October 27, 2003that there exists a detailed bill or voucher supporting each payment and there is indication that goods or services have been received or rendered.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Township Council of the Township of Old Bridge that the bill listing of October 27, 2003 as approved by the Business Administrator after preaudit and control by the Director of Finance and after review by the Finance Committee be spread on the minutes in the amount of $7,604,687.35 (General Fund)
Moved by Councilman Testino, Seconded by Councilman Baker and so ordered on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmen Baker, Calogera, Greene, Maher, Testino, Councilwoman Panos
NAYS: None.
ABSENT: Councilman Hoff, Redmond, President Butler.
RESOLUTION #556
BE IT RESOLVED, by the Township Council of the Township of Old Bridge, County of Middlesex, State of New Jersey that:
WHEREAS, the Business Administrator has the responsibility of approving all bills and vouchers subject to preaudit and control; and
WHEREAS, the Director of Finance is responsible for the preaudit, the disbursement of all monies and the control over all expenditures to ensure that the budget appropriations are not exceeded; and
WHEREAS, the Finance Committee of the Township Council has satisfied themselves in respect to the bill listing of October 27, 2003 that there exists a detailed bill or voucher supporting each payment and there is indication that goods or services have been received or rendered.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Township Council of the Township of Old Bridge that the bill listing of October 27, 2003 as approved by the Business Administrator after preaudit and control by the Director of Finance and after review by the Finance Committee be spread on the minutes in the amount of $741,004.03 (Payroll).
Moved by Councilman Testino, seconded by Councilman Greene and so ordered on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmen Baker, Calogera, Greene, Maher, Testino, Councilwoman Panos
NAYS: None.
ABSENT: Councilmen Hoff, Redmond, President Butler.
RESOLUTION #557
BE IT RESOLVED, by the Township Council of the Township of Old Bridge, County of Middlesex, State of New Jersey that:
WHEREAS, the Business Administrator has the responsibility of approving all bills and vouchers subject to preaudit and control; and
WHEREAS, the Director of Finance is responsible for the preaudit, the disbursement of all monies and the control over all expenditures to ensure that the budget appropriations are not exceeded; and
WHEREAS, the Finance Committee of the Township Council has satisfied themselves in respect to the bill listing of October 27, 2003 that there exists a detailed bill or voucher supporting each payment and there is indication that goods or services have been received or rendered.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Township Council of the Township of Old Bridge that the bill listing of October 27, 2003 as approved by the Business Administrator after preaudit and control by the Director of Finance and after review by the Finance Committee be spread on the minutes in the amount of $68,174.11(Overtime).
Moved by Councilman Calogera, seconded by Councilman Greene and so moved on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmen Baker, Calogera, Greene, Councilwoman Panos
NAYS: Councilmen Maher, Testino
ABSENT: Councilmen Hoff, Redmond, President Butler.
Prior to the roll call vote the following discussion took place:
Councilman Testino: Do you want to explain the increase again on the overtime?
Himanshu Shah: The reason it shows an increase is that one of the police officers requested a buy-out of his accumulated comp time and we are paying it in this payroll as we are required under the labor law once he requests same. The amount is $20,551.13, so that is why the overtime is higher than you have seen. We have seen a decrease in the amount of the overtime as reported to you and we will provide these figures to you on a monthly basis the yearly comparison.
Councilman Greene: That was my question also. I am glad that there was a reasonable explanation for the increase. Apparently, from what our finance director has stated, there is still that trend in the police department for the curtailment of the overtime and I think that the Chief should be congratulated again.
Councilwoman Panos: I would like to ask the Chief if the trend is continuing with regard to the lowering of the overtime?
Chief Collow: Yes, we are staying with the downward trend and I, myself am monitoring the overtime for my police department and am continually working on keeping it as low as possible.
Councilwoman Panos: As a taxpayer I thank you and as a councilperson, I can truly appreciate this.
Councilman Calogera: I would also like to commend the Chief on the curtailment of the overtime, I have been waiting for this to happen for a long time.
Councilman Testino: I would like an estimate as to how much we can cut from the budget in accordance with the new savings?
Himanshu Shah: Currently, the presented budget includes the amount of overtime of $800,000. Last year the overtime total was $1.1 million dollars, so we are budgeting less than what we spent last year in anticipation of cuts in the overtime and that we will not need additional transfers as we did in the past. Right now I don't see any potential of reducing the proposed budget.
Councilman Testino: I just request that we re-project the cost based on any savings.
Clerk's Report
Deputy Clerk Ward: Next Tuesday, November 4th is Election Day. The polls will be open from 6:00 am till 8:00 pm. Three of our polling places are undergoing construction at their sites, Memorial School, Madison Park School and Old Bridge High School-East Campus. Signs will be posted indicating the access to the polling place and additional lighting is being added to some of the sites. This construction will in no way hamper anyone from casting their vote. The Police Department is also working with us and will be assisting in the parking and any other problems that may occur.
MONTHLY REPORT OF COLLECTIONSOF ROSE-MARIE SARACINO, TOWNSHIP CLERK
The following represents the collections made during the month of September 2003:
DOGS
2922-2957 265.00
2944 and 2957 Replacements 1.00
266.00
CATS
304-306 14.00
replacement 305 .50
14.50
LICENSES
Limousine
#373 - DVG Limo 50.00
Hot Dog
#372 Spice it up 50.00
Ice Cream
#374 Spice it up 25.00
Kennel
#2 Old Bridge Kennel n/c
#3 Canary Bird Farm 10.00
#4 K-9 Konnection 25.00
160.00
BINGO/RAFFLE
RA 70-03 Mid-Madison Womens Club 10.00
RA 71-03 Township with a Heart 10.00
20.00
MAPS
3 Street Maps 15.00
15.00
LIQUOR LICENSES
1209-33-033-006 Browntown Inn 189.19
1209-33-036-007 Old Bridge Bar & Liquors 189.19
378.38
PARKING PERMITS
#1 thru 906 (905 Permits) 22,625.00
(#865 Voided)
Temporary Permits
#362-368 (7 permits) 35.00
22,660.00
MISCELLANEOUS
Late Fee – Dog 25.00
Late Fee – Cat 5.00
Photocopies 51.24
81.24
TOTAL $23,595.12
MOTION
Motion to accept Clerk's Report made by Councilman Calogera, Seconded by Councilman Greene and so moved on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmen Baker, Calogera, Greene, Maher, Testino, Councilwoman Panos
NAYS: None.
ABSENT: Councilmen Hoff, Redmond, President Butler
Attorney's Report
Attorney Ruggierio: I do not have a formal report. There is a report on the agenda regarding Prest's Mill Road. I will just say that following the last meeting where there were a number of residents who came up and there were questions about the rights the Council might have to deal with this issue, I did collect some factual information from our township engineer and I revisited the agreement that was entered between the township and Hovnanian, which was ultimately approved by the court. I can report to the Council that my advice remains the same as before that without some consent on the part of the developer we would be in violation of the settlement agreement reached to deal with these Prest's Mill Road issues differently than was approved by the Planning Board. I will say that perhaps some time in the future, when the developer no longer has an interest in the development a future Council might be able to revisit the issue of circulation within the development, but my report remains the same. It is beyond the authority of the Council based on our agreement which was approved by the Court to undertake the changing of the circulation patterns within Oakwoode.
MOTION
Motion to accept the attorney's report made by Councilman Calogera, seconded by Councilman Baker and so ordered on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmen Baker, Calogera, Greene, Maher, Testino, Councilwoman Panos
NAYS: None.
ABSENT: Councilmen Hoff, Redmond, President Butler
Prior to the vote the following discussion took place:
Councilman Greene: I want to follow-up on the progress of the investigation regarding the billboard controversy. I am interested in finding out if the township attorney since the last meeting has contacted any of the zoning board members who he thought might have some information on the approval of that application and the status of that outreach and if nothing has been done to date, I want to express my displeasure at the lack of progress.
Attorney Ruggierio: The answer is that I have not done anything. I did have other issues and I made a judgment where I thought other matters were more pressing and I do apologize. I will give it a priority now.
Councilman Greene: Can you tell how you will move forward after this meeting?
Attorney Ruggierio: There are basically two things that I contemplated doing and one was to send my opinion to Mr. Convery as a matter of professional courtesy as to what I thought the authority of the Council is and what is my authority by virtue of the resolution that the Council passed, and I want to tell him in advance that I am going to write to the zoning board members and re-invite them to come and visit with me and get statements about the question as to whether or not there were political influences placed upon them of some sort, or people trying to persuade them to vote a certain way. I am going to ask them to see me and give a voluntary statement about that and then I will report to the Council the results.
Councilman Green: Do you think you have the authority to do that in spite of the letter from the zoning board attorney that you can move forward with this investigation and do you think that it warrants an investigation on your part?
Attorney Ruggierio: I think there are a lot of questions, but the thrust of what you are asking is whether or not in contrast to what Mr. Convery said in his letter, I would have the authority by virtue of that resolution to conduct this inquiry. In my opinion, I think I can go forward and the reason for that is because we are not looking to disrupt the zoning board approval all we are trying to find out if there is anything of untoward nature or perhaps some people might see as misconduct that led to improper influence at the zoning board level. So to the extent that the Council has authorized me to look into that or ask questions, I believe I have the authority to do it because really what I would be doing is something that the Council has every right to do as an investigative body with regard to the processes that occurred before our various boards and the extent to which you deem that they may be inappropriate. You can do something legislatively either by changing the people that you appoint to the zoning board or ask the ethics board to adopt an additional code, there might be lots of things that you could do from a legislative prospectus that have nothing to do with whether or the decision made is valid or not.
Councilman Greene: This is not a witch hunt, all this is to make sure that we don't have a case of political influence determining outcomes of decisions in this town. If we find that there is a problem, we should address it by selecting individuals to our boards through a more ethical process. I believe it is a serious matter and I don't want this to happen in Old Bridge and I want to make sure that if we determine that there is a problem then in the future we implement steps to make sure that we pick the right individuals who are making the decisions for this township.
Councilman Baker: I join Mr. Greene in that and I volunteer my services to make sure that there are no undo influences and look forward to the attorney's report.
Councilman Calogera: With regard to Prest's Mill, I met with the engineer and Hovnanian and basically they are saying that they do not want to open up the approvals to go back in because they feel problems will arise and they were not sure that the reopening of Palisades to Prest's Mill would bring the carryover traffic into Trans Old Bridge Road and out to Ferry Road and would create a cul-de-sac for 86 homes with only one ingress and egress, unless that road was able to perform. It is a hard situation and all the children and residents are important to me and I have always tried to protect the residents by trying to get road bumps, ripples in the streets and lighting. Traffic has always been a major problem in our town and I have been trying to address it. We are hoping that what has been put in place will help to alleviate any of the problems that we have had in the past. If, in the future, the situation is not improved and there is an inordinate amount of traffic, I for one will not have any problem when the streets are turned over to readdress the matter, but I think that the planning board took very careful steps in what was done so that traffic could flow through there as safely as possible and the way it was designed I don't think you will get too much traffic through there because of all the inconvenient stops and turns. The next agenda, I will be putting on some traffic common devices throughout some of the other streets.
Councilwoman Panos: I just want to say that I was very disappointed in the letter that was sent regarding the Prest's Mills matter and I know that Kevin has worked very hard and deserves better than that, there are three Council-At-Large here who could have been following this case for two years.
Preliminary Public Comments:
Dr. Anita Greenberg: I would like to address this to Mr. Testino. After watching his interview with Mr. Gene McLaughlin, your comments about the planning board were both insulting and misleading. The planning board votes on approved usages where as the democratic appointed zoning board does not. The zoning board even considers a billboard as preserving open space. The planning board passed an ordinance to inform the public of applications by having the applicants post a sign on the property, why doesn't the zoning board do the same. It is because they don't want to have the public informed? As you know when the planning board denies an application, unfortunately it goes to the court and is remanded back to the municipality, this needs to be stopped and the legislation needs to address this. You stated that you were a Councilman-At-Large, which means you are for all of Old Bridge, yet, I have never seen you at a planning board meeting or heard your voice and opinion against developers. In fact I have asked you directly how to stop the development and you told me you “can't”. After reviewing campaign contributors to your party, the list is filled with engineering firms, developers and attorneys for developers, I understand your answer. You also stated in your interview to vote for you because you have eight years experience, well if you haven't done it in eight years do you think you will do it in twelve years? Stop the rhetoric, the same stop the development signs were posted four years ago, tell me how to do it and that is what I want to know. The same with taxes, we see the same signs this time of the year, you raise taxes, it is your budget, you voted on it. The zoning board ordinance has been available since August yet it has not been adopted yet; land that is earmarked for commercial development is also being considered for house building. You say that you are on the open space committee, do you know when the last meeting was held? I am asking you now, how are you going to stop the development, lower taxes, and when was the last time there was an open space committee meeting?
Councilman Testino: Since Ms. Greenberg sits on the planning board that approves most of the homes in this town, then I would challenge her to stop approving them.
Grace Maher: As suggested two weeks ago by Lucille, I would like to thank Kevin for setting up the meeting with Hovnanian. Not much was accomplished due to the fact that Oakwoode residents did attend and we had to rehash their concerns regarding Nathan Drive. They started the meeting by saying how two children were hit by cars recently on that street. As stated in a letter I sent to the Council that Lucille mentioned, children are children no matter where they live, how embarrassing to have Hovnanian&'s area present sit and watch us bicker about “not in my backyard”. Lakeridge West began attending planning board meetings when we learned Trans Old Bridge Road was going to funnel right into Prest's Mill Road and we were not okay with that Oakwood was. What does Lakeridge West receive from this application, we don't receive our development being finished and none of the benefits are coming our way as in Oakwoode. We share the possibility of one of our children being hit by a car. Lakeridge West does not want to share that possibility that is why we pleaded and petitioned to direct the traffic to less populated roads like Trans Old Bridge, Spring Valley, Palisades Parkway and Point-O-Woods Drive. Lakeridge West has gone door-to-door petitioning we have talked to people in Country Place, Lakeridge West and even Oakwoode, people will use this as a cut-through. In a letter I got today, “if the through street from Ferry Road and Prest's Mill Road is allowed to continue the cut through traffic will increase dramatically in these developments and drastically increase the risk of pedestrian injury. Individuals coming to and from work every day find the shortest route, this has been occurring when we attend social events. A prime example of this is traffic leaving Raceway Park cutting through Woodhaven development to avoid the light at Texas and Englishtown Roads. When this plan went before the planning board, the future of the bridge was undecided, we now know the bridge will be erected and the Council should now send this back to the planning board in an attempt to prevent this road from cutting through residential streets.” This letter was written by Capt. Cerra of the Old Bridge Police. Lakeridge West is trying to get a win-win situation for all involved. We are learning how hard it is to fight city hall, we recently learned of underground pipes in Lakeridge West that contain oil, which are part of an old oil distribution system that has been abandoned, what would additional traffic do to these corroding pipes; the oil has already surfaced in some areas. We have viable options and we would like you the Council help us implement them.
Sheree Bechtold: I would like to thank you for listening to our concerns. At the Hovnanian meeting we were told that the alternative roads did not have approvals. We did call the DEP and we did learn all the permits for the wetlands have been approved so we are looking at alternatives for routes that we can use these roads as alternatives and not put the burden of the traffic on Ticetown and Lakeridge West. I did contact Tom Norman the planning board attorney and ask him if it were possible to bring this issue back to the planning board without opening the entire Hovnanian application and he told me that it was possible to open this up for a hearing just on this one issue and Hovnanian would not have to open the whole application and therefore not jeopardize the building of their homes. Hovnanian is willing to consider this, but he does want to discuss this with the attorneys. We also told them at the meeting that the planning board wanted additional traffic studies and they offered to do those for us. Later we realized that once those studies are done who will review them so we need to know what direction to go with this. There are several new developments on Ticetown and there are 760 units being built in Aberdeen section, and we cannot control the traffic impacted from a different town, but we can control the traffic in our own town and so I am asking the Council to bring us back to the planning board to look at this situation again and review all the information that is now available. I know that the Fairview Estates decision has been completed and I think that information should be looked at. I think that with the wetlands approvals in place that we might have a route that would be acceptable.
Gina Talamo: My question is you stated that at the meeting with Hovnanian the application was reopened it might mean more homes and based on the minutes that I have from the August 6, 2003 meeting, it says that the attorney from Hovnanian would be open to other responses because he was only going by the Old Bridge Master Plan and if we were willing to open up to him, and he was willing to open up to us why did we not discuss other routes.
Attorney Ruggierio: I think there are two issues here and we should review the minutes as well as Tom Norman's opinion and ask him to formalize that because I find it absolutely impossible that he would give that advice and I'll say this about your question, the planning board when it considers an application from a developer, operates under what we call quasi judicial board, so the problem with your suggestion is that maybe a different course might have been taken when this matter was before the planning board, but at this point it is a signed, sealed and court approved outcome.
Bill Higgins: I am a resident in the town for 43 years. The point I would like to raise is the shortcut that is being created between Rt. 18 both directions; Rt. 9 both directions, flooding into Trans Old Bridge and then effect being plugged into Prest's Mill Road. You are creating a shortcut that was never intended to be. I understand from discussions at the planning board that Prest's Mill Road is a Master Plan Road, but was never intended to carry the volume that Trans Old Bridge was intended to carry out to Rt.79. The question is how are we going to take an alternate route and plug it into a residential street no matter how secure the route may be, still there will have to be traffic pressure coming into that area with that shortcut coming into a standard residential road. My question is how many driveways are going to back into this traffic area. Oakwoode has little cul-de-sacs so their kids can play on their streets, my kids cannot. because that is where my street is going to be. The difficulty is that as you bring that volume in there is no place for it to go, the thing that makes the shortcut attractive is that we are the furthest point down and it will save about 1 ½ miles for people who want to come that way and get further down Ticetown Road and that is what I am asking you to take a look at.
Jim Anderson: I just want to say that if the situation is going to change and they are not going to open Prest's Mill as was previously settled last year that I would like to be informed so that we can organize our voice. The people of Oakwoode are not here in force tonight because we thought this issue was settled.
Joan Quiros: I just want to say that connecting Trans Old Bridge Road to Nathan Drive via Overhill is not a solution that Oakwoode, Inverness or Valley Vale taxpayers want. Prest's Mill residents fought it and won, keeping over 300 houses from having access to their roads, why do they want the traffic to go through Oakewoode only, we know we are getting traffic, we just want it to be equitably distributed so that not all the traffic goes through one neighborhood. Also, the school buses pick up all the children on Nathan Drive because they do not go through the cul-de-sacs. I would like the Council to check the police records if they are considering not opening other access roads for injuries to children from vehicle related accidents.
Steve Capolino: I don't think I need to say too much because you voted to keep the plan the way it was put together. I don't think anyone was happy about houses being built back there but you have to be realistic and accept that they will build no matter what you do. You are to be commended for leaving the plan the way it is. If we do change one of the minor parts of that plan, closing Prest's Mill Road, I would like the opportunity to be informed about it and I would like to have Inverness Drive converted back to a cul-de-sac the way it used to be.
Mr. Rao: My main concern is taxes and I have come to all the council meetings and I also went to the Board of Education meetings. The biggest percentage is school taxes. You are distracting the voters in different directions instead of concentrating on how you are going to lower taxes.
Ordinance for Second Reading
ORDINANCE 51-03
BOND ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING SUPPLEMENTAL FUNDING FOR IMPROVEMENTS TO THE LIBRARY ELECTRICAL AND LIGHTING SYSTEM IN THE TOWNSHIP OF OLD BRIDGE, COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX, NEW JERSEY; APPROPRIATING THE SUM OF $150,000 THEREFOR; AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS OR BOND ANTICIPATION NOTES OF THE TOWNSHIP OF OLD BRIDGE, COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX, NEW JERSEY, IN THE AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF UP TO $142,500; MAKING CERTAIN DETERMINATIONS AND COVENANTS; AND AUTHORIZING CERTAIN RELATED ACTIONS IN CONNECTION WITH THE FOREGOING
BE IT ORDAINED by the Township Council of the Township of Old Bridge, County of Middlesex, New Jersey (not less than two-thirds of all the members thereof affirmatively concurring), pursuant to the provisions of the Local Bond Law, Chapter 169 of the Laws of 1960 of the State of New Jersey, as amended and supplemented ("Local Bond Law"), as follows:
Section 1. The purposes described in Section 7 hereof are hereby authorized as general improvements to be made or acquired by the Township of Old Bridge, County of Middlesex, New Jersey ("Township").
Section 2. It is hereby found, determined and declared as follows:
(a) the estimated amount to be raised by the Township from all sources for the purposes stated in Section 7 hereof is $150,000;
(b) the estimated amount of bonds or bond anticipation notes to be issued for the purposes stated in Section 7 hereof is $142,500;
(c) a down payment in the amount of $7,500 for the purposes stated in Section 7 hereof is currently available in accordance with the requirements of Section 11 of the Local Bond Law, N.J.S.A. 40A:2-11; and
Section 3. The sum of $142,500, to be raised by the issuance of bonds or bond anticipation notes, together with the sum of $7,500, which amount represents the required down payment, are hereby appropriated for the purposes stated in this bond ordinance ("Bond Ordinance").
Section 4. The issuance of negotiable bonds of the Township in an amount not to exceed $142,500 to finance the costs of the purposes described in Section 7 hereof is hereby authorized. Said bonds shall be sold in accordance with the requirements of the Local Bond Law.
Section 5. In order to temporarily finance the purposes described in Section 7 hereof, the issuance of bond anticipation notes of the Township in an amount not to exceed $142,500 is hereby authorized. Pursuant to the Local Bond Law, the Chief Financial Officer is hereby authorized to sell part or all of the bond anticipation notes from time to time at public or private sale and to deliver the same to the purchasers thereof upon receipt of payment of the purchase price plus accrued interest from their date to delivery thereof. The Chief Financial Officer is hereby directed to report in writing to the governing body at the meeting next succeeding the date when any sale or delivery of the bond anticipation notes pursuant to this Bond Ordinance is made. Such report must include the amount, the description, the interest rate and the maturity schedule of the bond anticipation notes sold, the price obtained and the name of the purchaser.
Section 6. The amount of the proceeds of the obligations authorized by this Bond Ordinance which may be used for the payment of interest on such obligations, accounting, engineering, legal fees and other items as provided in Section 20 of the Local Bond Law, N.J.S.A. 40A:2-20, shall not exceed the sum of $30,000.
Section 7. The improvements hereby authorized and the purposes for which said obligations are to be issued; the estimated costs of each said purpose; the amount of down payment for each said purpose; the maximum amount obligations to be issued for each said purpose and the period of usefulness of each said purpose within the limitations of the Local Bond Law are as follows:
Purpose/Improvement Estimated Total Cost Down Payment Amount of Obligations Period of Usefulness
A. Supplemental Funding for the Reconstruction and Upgrades to the Library Electrical and Lighting System, previously authorized and initially funded by Bond Ordinance 57-01, together with the acquisition of all materials and equipment and completion of all work necessary therefor or related thereto $150,000 $7,500 $142,500 15 years
Section 8. Grants or any other funds received from any governmental or private entity will be applied to the payment of, or repayment of obligations issued to finance, the costs of improvements described in Section 7 above.
Section 9. The supplemental debt statement provided for in Section 10 of the Local Bond Law, N.J.S.A. 40A:2-10, was duly filed in the office of the Clerk prior to the passage of this Bond Ordinance on first reading and a complete executed duplicate original thereof has been filed in the Office of the Director of the Division of Local Government Services in the Department of Community Affairs of the State of New Jersey. The supplemental debt statement shows that the gross debt of the Township, as defined in Section 43 of the Local Bond Law, N.J.S.A. 40A:2-43, is increased by this Bond Ordinance by $142,500 and that the obligations authorized by this Bond Ordinance will be within all debt limitations prescribed by said Local Bond Law.
Section 10. The full faith and credit of the Township are irrevocably pledged to the punctual payment of the principal of and interest on the bonds or bond anticipation notes authorized by this Bond Ordinance, and to the extent payment is not otherwise provided, the Township shall levy ad valorem taxes on all taxable real property without limitation as to rate or amount for the payment thereof.
Section 11. The applicable Capital Budget of the Township is hereby amended to conform with the provisions of this Bond Ordinance to the extent of any inconsistency therewith, and the resolution promulgated by the Local Finance Board showing full detail of the amended applicable Capital Budget and Capital Program as approved by the Director of the Division of Local Government Services, is on file with the Clerk and available for inspection.
Section 12. The Township hereby declares its intent to reimburse itself from the proceeds of the bonds or bond anticipation notes authorized by this Bond Ordinance pursuant to Income Tax Regulation Section 1.150-2(e), promulgated under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended ("Code"), for "original expenditures", as defined in Income Tax Regulation Section 1.150-2(c)(2), made by the Township prior to the issuance of such bonds or bond anticipation notes.
Section 13. The Township hereby covenants as follows:
(a) it shall take all actions necessary to ensure that the interest paid on the bonds or bond anticipation notes authorized by the Bond Ordinance is exempt from the gross income of the owners thereof for federal income taxation purposes, and will not become a specific item of tax preference pursuant to Section 57(a)(5) of the Code;
(b) it will not make any use of the proceeds of the bonds or bond anticipation notes or do or suffer any other action that would cause the bonds or bond anticipation notes to be "arbitrage bonds" as such term is defined in Section 148(a) of the Code and the Regulations promulgated hereunder;
(c) it shall calculate or cause to be calculated and pay, when due, the rebatable arbitrage with respect to the "gross proceeds" (as such term is used in Section 148(f) of the Code) of the bonds or bond anticipation notes;
(d) it shall timely file with the Ogden, Utah Service Center of the Internal Revenue Service, such information report or reports as may be required by Sections 148(f) and 149(e) of the Code; and
(e) it shall take no action that would cause the bonds or bond anticipation notes to be "federally guaranteed" within the meaning of Section 149(b) of the Code.
Section 14. The improvements authorized hereby are not current expenses and are improvements that the Township may lawfully make. No part of the cost of the improvements authorized hereby has been or shall be specially assessed on any property specially benefited thereby.
Section 15. All ordinances or parts of ordinances, inconsistent herewith are hereby repealed to the extent of such inconsistency.
Section 16. In accordance with the Local Bond Law, this Bond Ordinance shall take effect twenty (20) days after the first publication thereof after final passage.
Moved by Councilman Maher, seconded by Councilman Testino and so ordered on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmen Baker, Calogera, Greene, Maher, Testino, Councilwoman Panos.
NAYS: None.
ABSENT: Councilmen Hoff, Redmond, President Butler
Prior to the roll call vote Chairman Baker opened the meeting to the public, seeing no hands Mr. Baker closed the public portion.
Ordinance for First Reading:
ORDINANCE NO. 52-03
ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING ACCEPTANCE OF LAND FROM ESTATE OF EDWARD RONDINELLI TO THE TOWNSHIP OF OLD BRIDGE KNOWN AS BLOCK 2150, LOT 4.12
BE IT ORDAINED by the Township Council of the Township of Old Bridge, County of Middlesex, State of New Jersey as follows:
SECTION 1: PURPOSE OF ORDINANCE
This Ordinance is adopted for the primary purpose of accepting Lot 4.12, Block 2150, of land within the Township of Old Bridge.
SECTION 2: ACCEPTANCE OF PROPERTY
The Township of Old Bridge does hereby accept property, located within the Township of Old Bridge and known as part of Block 2150, Lot 4.12 more fully described in the document known as “Legal Description of property, Lot 4.12, Block 2150 (portion of former Lot 4.13, Block 2150)”. The conveyance of the property shall be made by deed for the sum of ONE
DOLLAR AND 00/100 CENTS ($1.00) in a form approved by the Township Attorney.
SECTION 3: INCONSISTENT ORDINANCES
All Ordinances or parts of Ordinances inconsistent with or in conflict with this ordinance are hereby repeated to the extent of such inconsistency.
SECTION 4: PARTIAL INVALIDITY
If any section, paragraph, clause or provision of this Ordinance shall be adjudged invalid, such adjudication shall apply only to the section, paragraph, clause or provision so adjudged and the remainder shall be deemed valid and effective.
SECTION 5: EFFECTIVE DATE
A. Except as set forth at subparagraphs B and C hereof, this Ordinance shall take effect on the earlier of the following dates: (1) on the date the Mayor affixes his/her signature thereto and returns same to the Municipal Council by delivering it to the Municipal Clerk pursuant to NJSA 40A:69A-41 or (2) the tenth day following presentment to the Mayor of the Ordinances pursuant to NJSA 40:69A-41 applicable when the Mayor has failed to return the Ordinance; whichever occurs first.
B. If the Mayor vetoes the Ordinance (in the manner set forth at NJSA 40:69A-41), this Ordinance shall become effective upon the Township Council's vote to override the Mayor's veto.
C. Notwithstanding any other provision hereof, this Ordinance shall not take effect less than twenty (20) days after its final passage by the Council and approval by the Mayor, where such approval is required, unless the Council shall have also adopted a resolution declaring an emergency and at least two-thirds (2/3) of all the members of the Council vote in favor of such resolution.
Moved by Councilman Baker, seconded by Councilman Greene and so ordered on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmen Baker, Calogera, Greene, Maher, Testino, Councilwoman Panos
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Councilmen Hoff, Redmond, President Butler
Consent Agenda:
RESOLUTION NO. 558
BE IT RESOLVED, by the Township Council of the Township of Old Bridge, County of Middlesex, State of New Jersey that:
WHEREAS, the following organizations have made application to hold, operate and conduct a Bingo/Raffle; said applications being in accordance with the statutes relating thereto:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Township Council of the Township of Old Bridge that the Clerk is hereby authorized and directed to issue to the applicants, the following licenses:
RA08-04 Old Bridge Rotary
RA09-04 St. Thomas Senior Citizens Club
RA10-04 St. Thomas Church
RA11-04 St. Thomas Altar Rosary Society
RA12-04 St. Thomas Home School Assoc.
RA13-04 St. Thomas Holy Name Society
RA14-04 Court Queenship of Mary
RA15-04 Court Queenship of Mary
RA16-04 St. Thomas Apostle
Moved by Councilman Testino, seconded by Councilman Baker and so ordered on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmen Baker, Greene, Maher, Testino, Councilwoman Panos
NAYS: None.
ABSENT PODIUM: Councilman Calogera
ABSENT: Councilmen Hoff, Redmond, President Butler
RESOLUTION NO. 559
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE 2004 TOWNSHIP COUNCIL SCHEDULE OF MEETINGS.
BE IT RESOLVED, by the Township Council of the Township of Old Bridge, County of Middlesex, State of New Jersey that:
SCHEDULE OF MEETINGS
TOWNSHIP OF OLD BRIDGE COUNCIL
YEAR 2004
TAKE NOTICE that all meetings are held in the Old Bridge Municipal Complex, One Old Bridge Plaza, Old Bridge, New Jersey and are open to the public. Formal action may be taken on the agenda items listed or any other such matters as may come before the Council. An executive session may be conducted at any meeting.
RECONVENED MEETING – 11:30 A.M.
REORGANIZATION MEETING – 12:00 NOON
AGENDA MEETINGS - 8:00 P.M.
REGULAR MEETINGS - 8:00 P.M.
COMBINED MEETINGS - 7:30 P.M.
January 1
January 5
January 12
January 26
February 2
February 9
February 23
March 1
March 8
March 15
March 22
April 12
April 26
May 3
May 10
May 17
May 24
June 14
June 21
June 28
July 19
August 16
September 13
September 20
September 27
October 4
October 18
October 25
November 8
November 15
November 22
December 6
December 13
December 20
The public is advised that the Township Council may introduce and/or adopt ordinances, pass resolutions, or transact any other business within its power at any of the above listed agenda meetings, regular meetings, combined agenda/regular meetings or at the stand-by meeting.
Rose-Marie Saracino
Township Clerk
Moved by Councilman Testino, seconded by Councilman Baker and so ordered on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmen Baker, Greene, Maher, Testino, Councilwoman Panos
NAYS: None.
ABSENT PODIUM: Councilman Calogera
ABSENT: Councilmen Hoff, Redmond, President Butler
RESOLUTION NO. 560
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE EXTENSION OF CONTRACT BETWEEN THE TOWNSHIP AND BLAISE BATKO FOR THE 9-11 MEMORIAL
BE IT RESOLVED, by the Township Council of the Township of Old Bridge, County of Middlesex, State of New Jersey that:
WHEREAS, the Township previously entered into a contract with Blaise Batko, Sculpture, for professional services for the design, development and installation of the 9-11 Memorial; and
WHEREAS, an extension to the contract with Blaise Batko is requested in the amount of $10,690.00 for additional pavers as per the contract for the 9-11 Memorial; and
WHEREAS, the Township Council wishes to extend the contract in the amount of $10,690.00.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Township Council of the Township of Old Bridge, County of Middlesex, State of New Jersey as follows:
1. The amount of the contract for professional services with Blaise Batko, located at 22 Erica Lane, Hamilton Square, N.J. 08960 for additional pavers for the 9-11 Memorial is extended in the amount of $10,690.00
2. The award of contract is contingent upon the issuance of a Certification of Availability of Funds #1186 certifying the existence of a sufficient appropriation to fund the said contract.
3. The Mayor and Township Clerk are hereby authorized to sign the contract documents necessary to effectuate the award of this contract. The Township Attorney shall review any and all contractual documents in furtherance of this award.
Moved by Councilman Testino, seconded by Councilman Baker and so ordered on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmen Baker, Greene, Maher, Testino, Councilwoman Panos
NAYS: None.
ABSENT PODIUM: Councilman Calogera
ABSENT: Councilmen Hoff, Redmond, President Butler
RESOLUTION NO. 561
RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF THE EXECUTION OF THE MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT BY THE COUNTY FOR IMPROVEMENTS TO THE INTERSECTION OF BORDENTOWN AVENUE & ERNSTON ROAD
BE IT RESOLVED, by the Township Council of the Township of Old Bridge, County of Middlesex, State of New Jersey that:
WHEREAS, the Township of Old Bridge is aware of a Memorandum of Agreements (MOA) by the Middlesex County Engineering Department for the improvements to the intersection of Bordentown Avenue and Ernston Road, Borough of Sayreville and Township of Old Bridge; and
WHEREAS, the Township Engineering Department wishes the Township Council to endorse the execution of the Memorandum of Agreements sent by the Middlesex County Engineer.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Township Council of the Township of Old Bridge, County of Middlesex, State of New Jersey as follows:
(1) The Township of Old Bridge shall and is hereby authorized to execute the Memorandum of Agreements (MOA) with the County of Middlesex.
(2) The Mayor and the Township Clerk are hereby authorized to sign the documents necessary to effectuate the agreements. The Township Attorney shall review any and all contractual documents prepared in furtherance of this agreement.
Moved by Councilman Testino, seconded by Councilman Baker and so ordered on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmen Baker, Greene, Maher, Testino, Councilwoman Panos
NAYS: None.
ABSENT PODIUM: Councilman Calogera
ABSENT: Councilmen Hoff, Redmond, President Butler
RESOLUTION NO. 562 (DENIED – Requires 6 votes)
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING TEMPORARY BUDGET APPROPRIATION
BE IT RESOLVED, by the Township Council of the Township of Old Bridge, County of Middlesex, State of New Jersey that:
WHEREAS, there will be a delay in the adoption of the 2004 Township of Old Bridge, County of Middlesex, New Jersey Local Municipal Budget; and
WHEREAS, if additional funds are not budgeted for the following, the public welfare will be adversely affected.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Township Council of the Township of Old Bridge, County of Middlesex, New Jersey, that in accordance with N.J.S.A. 40A:4-20, an emergency temporary appropriation be and same is hereby made for in the amount of $2,342,167.00 and that said emergency temporary appropriation shall be provided in full in the 2004 budget. (See attached)
Current Budget
Other Expenses $2,290.667.00
Arena Utility
Other Expenses 51,000.00
TOTAL: $2,342,167.00
Moved by Councilman Testino, seconded by Councilman Baker and so ordered on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmen Baker, Greene, Maher, Testino, Councilwoman Panos
NAYS: None.
ABSENT PODIUM: Councilman Calogera
ABSENT: Councilmen Hoff, Redmond, President Butler
RESOLUTION NO. 563
RESOLUTION MEMORIALZING RELEASE OF PERFORMANCE GUARANTEE FOR LOWES SHOPPING CENTER
BE IT RESOLVED, by the Township Council of the Township of Old Bridge, County of Middlesex, State of New Jersey that:
WHEREAS, the developer of Lowe's Shopping Center located at Route 9 Southbound and Perrine Road has requested a release of the Performance Guarantee. The original Performance Guarantee ($2,770,558.92) was reduced by 70% in May, 2003 to the following:
Performance Bond $748,050.91
Cash Deposit $83,116.77
Total $831,167.68
WHEREAS, a bond hearing was held on October 20, 2003, at which time the Township Engineering Department and the Township Council were heard; and
WHEREAS, the Township Engineer has performed an inspection of the bonded items and finds that these have been completed satisfactorily; and
WHEREAS, the Township Engineer has recommended a release of the Performance Guarantee.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Township Council of the Township of Old Bridge, County of Middlesex, State of New Jersey that the performance guarantee be released subject to the following:
The developer posting a two year (2) Maintenance Bond in the amount of $415,583.00 (15% of $2,770,558.92).
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED if the maintenance bond required by this Resolution is not posted with the Township Clerk within forty-five (45) days after the adoption of the Resolution releasing the performance bond, the release is void. If there are insufficiencies or errors in the language of the bond submitted, the Township Attorney or Township Clerk may extend the said deadline in writing.
Moved by Councilman Testino, seconded by Councilman Baker and so ordered on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmen Baker, Greene, Maher, Testino, Councilwoman Panos
NAYS: None.
ABSENT PODIUM: Councilman Calogera
ABSENT: Councilmen Hoff, Redmond, President Butler
Prior to the roll call vote Chairman Baker opened the Consent Agenda to the public, seeing no hands Chairman Baker closed the public portion.
C-2 Resolution approving various elements of the Sommer vs. Old Bridge Case
Councilman Greene: I would just like to ask the attorney to summarize the elements of this approval.
Attorney Ruggierio: The actual resolution has not been prepared by me yet and I will get in trouble with the court if I don't get it done soon. I would like to have this as a high priority at the next meeting. I would rather wait until you have the resolution with all the attachments before I give you an explanation.
Motion
Motion to table this matter made by Councilman Greene, seconded by Councilman Testino and so moved on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmen Baker, Greene, Maher, Testino, Councilwoman Panos
NAYS: None
ABSENT PODIUM: Councilman Calogera
ABSENT: Councilmen Hoff, Redmond, President Butler
RESOLUTION NO. 564
RESOLUTION ENCOURAGING THE NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORATION TO MOVE FORWARD ON THEIR REHABILITATION OF ROUTE 35
BE IT RESOLVED, by the Township Council of the Township of Old Bridge, County of Middlesex, State of New Jersey that:
WHEREAS, the State of New Jersey Department of Transportation (DOT) wishes to provide roadway improvements along Route 34 from the Aberdeen Township boarder to McKinley Avenue in Laurence Harbor; and
WHEREAS, the Township Council of the Township of Old Bridge has previously endorsed such a project moving forward:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Township Council of the Township of Old Bridge, County of Middlesex, State of New Jersey as follows:
1. that the Department of Transportation move forward on their rehabilitation of Route 35 from the Aberdeen Township border to Laurence Harbor by scheduling an official briefing meeting with the various Township officials and by conducting other public hearings;
2. that the Department of Transportation is encouraged to diligently and expeditiously pursue the design and construction of this proposed rehabilitation project.
Moved by Councilman Testino, seconded by Councilman Baker and so ordered on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmen Baker, Greene, Maher, Testino, Councilwoman Panos
NAYS: None.
ABSENT PODIUM: Councilman Calogera
ABSENT: Councilmen Hoff, Redmond, President Butler
Prior to the roll call vote the following discussion took place.
Councilman Testino: I was asked by one of the residents regarding the Cliffwood Beach intersection and I just want to get this moving. They want to know how that gas station affects their plans, but I understand that we are still a year or two away from even getting this done, but I want them to know this is important to the township.
Mayor Cannon: We asked for a meeting and the DOT indicated that they wanted to wait until the new mayor was elected.
RESOLUTION NO. 565
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CONTRACT TO BUCHALSI, REYNOLDS & BRODOWSKI FOR APPRAISAL SERVICES FOR PROPERTIES LOCATED IN THE TOWNSHIP.
BE IT RESOLVED, by the Township Council of the Township of Old Bridge, County of Middlesex, State of New Jersey that:
WHEREAS, the Township Council previously entered into a contract with the firm of Buchalski, Reynolds & Brodowski for appraisal services for the valuation and consulting services for ad valorem purposes of properties located in the Township of Old Bridge from July 1, 2003 to June 30, 2004.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Township Council of the Township of Old Bridge, County of Middlesex, State of New Jersey, as follows:
1. The contract to Buchalski, Reynolds & Brodowski for the Tax Assessor's Office is hereby authorized in the amount not to exceed $40,000.00.
2. The Mayor and Township Clerk of the Township of Old Bridge are hereby authorized to affix their signatures to any and all documents evidencing this professional contract.
3. This contract is awarded for a term exceeding the current budget year. A Certification of Availability of Funds #1164 has been received for this contract assuring that there are sufficient funds in the appropriation(s) listed below to fund the purchases anticipated in the current budget year.
BUDGET YEAR FY 2003
CERT. NO. 1164
AMOUNT $40,000.00
The availability of a sufficient appropriation to fund the purchases authorized in this resolution is an express and mandatory condition of the award of this contract. To the extent this contract contemplates expenditures in future budget year, such amounts are not certified and any expenditure pursuant to this contract is wholly contingent upon the municipal governing body establishing an appropriation from which such future purchases will be paid.
4. This contract for professional services and according to New Jersey Public Contract Law, the Township Clerk shall publish a statement of reasons for awarding of the contract, to wit: the professional named in this resolution is a recognized professional.
Moved by Councilman Testino, seconded by Councilman Baker and so ordered on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmen Greene, Testino, Councilwoman Panos
NAYS: Councilmen Baker, Maher
ABSENT PODIUM: Councilman Calogera
ABSENT: Councilmen Hoff, Redmond, President Butler
Prior to the roll call vote the following discussion took place.
Councilman Maher: This was on before and was tabled pending obtaining other proposals. I want to know if this was done.
Alayne Shepler: There is a letter in your package from the assessor, Mr. Enright, giving the reasons why he is asking you to go forward with this contract. Mr. Buchalski has complied with all the requirements in the terms of the Mayor's resolution “pay to play” and Mr. Enright has given you valid reasons for this recommendation.
Councilman Maher: Did we get other proposals per our ordinance?
Alayne Shepler: There is no ordinance that says that we must get other proposals and the tax assessor on an annual basis recommends the appraiser that he feels works best and most effectively and at the best possible rate for the township. In his letter I believe that he tells you that the rate that Mr. Buchalski charges is 1/3 of the other going rates.
Councilman Maher: I am going to vote no on this resolution. I would like to see competing proposals or at least an attempt to go out to the marketplace and see if there are other firms that can possibly do this job.
Report
R-1 Prest's Mill Road (dead ending the road)
Previously discussed.
R-2 Decibel reading status
Alayne Shepler: I do not have that report ready, it will be ready by the next agenda meeting.
Public Comments:
Inell Springer: I noticed that the stop light is about to go in at Inverness Drive and Rt. 9, is there going to be a paved crosswalk in the center island?
John Vincenti: The improvements are 70% done. The plans do show a painted crosswalk that will be in place and there is a pedestal that will be installed that will have a push button on it for the pedestrians and I believe there is a short piece of sidewalk that will be installed.
Joe Pagnotta: There are still many problems with Rt. 516, sometimes it takes a very long time to get across it, something should be done about it.
Chairman Baker: That is a county road and we are trying to work with them on it.
Mayor Cannon: There was a vote by a previous council to do the improvements that everyone is asking for now. It was nixed by the County Board of Freeholders, but in the meantime we have been trying to get the different intersections improved. We did Bushnell with the county and they are now working on Gaub and Owens is projected to be finished someday. We have not been getting the response we anticipated from the County in getting these improvements moving along in a reasonable manner.
Joe Pagnotta: Also, the school taxes are chasing people out of Old Bridge. Who could you see to try and work on this?
Cami Vitale: I had the opportunity of walking down Valley Vale the other day, I noticed that as the school lets out at 3:15p.m., the traffic is not only overpowering, but they do speed excessively. I spoke with Capt. Bonfante and suggested that his road people immediately get out there and pave those intersections with bright yellow slash lines just to give the drivers better vision.
Reginald Springer: I notice that on Rt. 9 South at the jug handle at Ferry Road, there is a short shoulder and motorists are driving on that shoulder. I have discussed this matter with the police and was told that they would look into it, but nothing has happened. I wonder if they could put stripes on the shoulder indicating that motorists are not to drive along the shoulder.
Chairman Baker: I will ask our police department to get back to you within 30 days with a response.
Councilman Calogera: All those problems will be addressed once they get the new parking lot done.
Roman Sohor: Mr. Rao has decided that he would mention me tonight and I will not sit silently anymore. The problem with the Council and the Board of Education is on the Democrats side. Mr. Rao forgets for these last few years who the members of the Council are and what connection they have with the Board of Ed. Mr. Maher's wife is an employee of the Board of Education; Mr. Redmond's wife is an employee of the Board of Education and Mr. Baker's wife is also an employee of the Board of Education.
Chairman Baker: Be careful here, my wife is a school nurse and was so before I was a Councilman.
Roman Sohor: When it is time to discuss a budget these people are not supposed to be involved in handling the budget according to the democratic candidates for the senate and assembly in this district; their membership is unethical. On the Board of Education, you have to discuss the members who have family members who are employees. Mr. Petrillo's wife was hired the week after he became a member of the Board of Education; she was promoted within one year. Mrs. Hopman has her husband employed in a $100,000 a year job and she has other relatives also employed by the Board. This is the problem at the Board of Education, the problem is not a republican on the council who may or may not have spoken on the budget. Mr. Rao is definitely 100% wrong. On the situation with the Prest's Mill Road, I was chairman of the Planning Board at the time and that road should not have been opened to traffic, the plan for that opening was done in a matter of minutes on a third meeting. The traffic plans were never presented for the configuration. One of the things to keep in mind, Mr. Ruggierio, if that is to be governed by the court order then Trans Old Bridge Road has got to be changed back to its original status of being a 4 lane road with shoulders and Prest's Mill Road has to be continued all the way through.
Steve Cappellino: There has been a lot of talk about putting traffic devices on Inverness Drive and Valley Vale. What do we have to do to put some type of speed bump or something to help this matter?
Councilman Calogera: It will be on the November 10th agenda once again as I did last year and we will see how much cooperation we get with actually putting them in.
Chairman Baker: Give your requests to administration who in turn will direct it to the proper authority and then get back to you.
Mr. Rao: I have to respond to Councilman Sohor. I attended all the Council and Board of Education meetings. You people blame each other that is your problem. In reality, our taxes went up because of the mayoral budget not the democratic council budget. The democratic council cut the budget every year. The republican council members all these two or three years I never heard anything. At the Board of Education meetings I did not hear anyone say to cut waste. There are six high school principals and that is a waste and you did not do anything either.
Council Comments
Councilman Maher: With respect to the opening of Prest's Mill Road, I would like you ask Mr. Norman to put it in writing that we do not have to open the whole process again, just the portion dealing with the road opening.
Attorney Ruggierio: I already made a note that we get the minutes of the meeting as to what was discussed and I'll get back to you.
Councilman Greene: This whole issue of Prest's Mill Road is something that we have to sit down and discuss and work it out so that all the concerns of the residents are addressed and an amicable solution is determined. This decision was the result of many meetings and negotiations, I just find it frustrating that small pieces of information are being thrown out and this is something that we must discuss in an open format to work it out. I also want to know the status on Logan's Dam from the engineer.
John Vincenti: We are opening bids on Wednesday the 29th.
Councilman Calogera: I want to have all these neighborhoods get together and resolve this Prest's Mill Road. It is imperative that all the people understand that in government we do not have closed door meetings we have to function in open forum, that is the only way, so if there are meetings, expect to have your neighbors there and please remember that we are all neighbors.
Motion
Motion to adjourn at 9:35 p.m. made by Councilman Testino, seconded by Councilman Baker and so moved on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmen Baker, Calogera, Greene, Maher, Testino, Councilwoman Panos
NAYS: None.
ABSENT: Councilmen Hoff, Redmond, President Butler
______________________________
Reginald Butler, Council President
______________________________
Rose-Marie Saracino, Township Clerk
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