This Regular Meeting of the Borough of Raritan Governing Body was called to order by Mayor Charles McMullin in the Meeting Room of the Raritan Municipal Building, 22 First Street, Raritan, NJ 08869 at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday,. The Mayor announced this Regular Meeting was called pursuant to applicable portions of the Open Public Meetings Act. Adequate Notice was communicated to The Courier News and The Star Ledger on January 5, 2017, posted on the bulletin board in the Municipal Building, on the Borough website and made available in the Office of the Borough Clerk. ROLL CALL Present: Mayor McMullin, Council President Carra, Councilman Bray, Councilman Carra, Councilman Foohey, Councilman Giraldi, Councilman McGinley Also Present: Borough Administrator Jaxel, Borough Clerk Colvin Absent: Attorney Wenner Joseph Salvador substituted Engineer Shrek Robert Bogart substituted Mayor McMullin took a moment to congratulate the candidates who were victorious in the November General Election, Councilman-Elect Donald Tozzi and Pablo Orozco. INVOCATION AND FLAG SALUTE Councilman Bray led the Invocation and Flag Salute. EXECUTIVE SESSION Resolution No. 2017-11-166 Executive Session: 1. Personnel 2. Contract Negotiations On a motion by Councilman Bray, seconded by Councilman McGinley, Council moved to Approve Resolution No. 2017-11-166. Council convened in Executive Session at 6:33 p.m. * Councilmen Elect Tozzi and Orozco were permitted to participate in Executive Session On a motion by Councilman Bray, seconded by Councilman McGinley, Council moved to Reconvene in. 1
Council exited Executive Session and resumed at 7:01 p.m. PRESENTATION Street Smart Pedestrian Safety Ride Wise Mayor and Council welcomed Asha Bailey, the Community Development Coordinator with RideWise, to the front of the Meeting Room to present information about the program. Ms. Bailey said RideWise partners with several municipalities in Somerset County to promote safer streets for motorists, pedestrians and cyclists. As part of the initiative, the organization would like to place signage, free of cost to the Borough. Mayor and Council were in agreement to allow RideWise to partner with the Raritan Police Department to help make the Borough s streets safer for all. PUBLIC COMMENT Mayor McMullin opened the first Public Comment portion of the meeting for members of the public wishing to speak. Seeing and hearing no one, the Mayor closed this Public Comment portion of the meeting. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. October 24, 2017 Executive Session 2. October 24, 2017 On a motion by Council President Carra, seconded by Councilman McGinley, Council moved to Approve the Executive and Minutes of October 24, 2017. WORK SESSION 1. Engineer s Report (RB) Engineer Bogart delivered the following report on behalf of the Borough engineering firm: Bell & Sherman Avenue Improvements The final grant closeout is in process and final Change Orders are required, as follows: Bell Avenue, $3,292.32, raising the final contract amount to $193,043.20 (+1.74%) and Sherman Avenue, $14,910.30, raising the final contract amount to $229,777.70 (+8.08%). The Change Orders are for final adjusted quantities, chiefly additional sidewalk replacements. We recommend approval of the Change Orders subject to verification of funds. On a motion by Councilman Carra, seconded by Councilman Bray, Council moved to Approve the Change Orders in the amount of $20, 478.93, as Recommended by the Borough Engineer. 2
Ortho Drive Pump Station All shop drawings have been reviewed and approved. The equipment is with the manufacturer and an updated start of construction date will be provided shortly. 2017 Road Program The project is complete, with the exception of minor punchlist items. Master Plan Update The draft report is complete and a Public Hearing is scheduled for the evening of November 29. NJTPA/NJDOT Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) We are awaiting engineering guidelines to enable an RFP for engineering services or the establishment of an engineering services pool, as was provided for past TAP projects. It is noted that, under federal rule, the design firm cannot be the same firm providing construction inspection/administration. Orlando Drive, Phase 3 Somerset County is proceeding with resolution of the Green Acres diversion on Orlando Drive. With resolution of this long pending issue, we are finalizing plans and specifications for Orlando Drive, Phase 3 Improvements. The County is reviewing Right of Way transfer and the project will go out to bid this Fall. The project is substantially funded through a 2014 Transportation Trust Fund grant. East Ridge Development/Quick Chek Demolition work is proceeding. A County preconstruction meeting was held November 17 and we expect final County approval shortly, after which we will release permits to begin sitework. LabCorp LabCorp has submitted engineering reports in conjunction with the Borough s review of Treatment Works Approval for their Sanitary Sewer Extension Permit application before NJDEP. We have requested a Council Resolution authorizing the Borough Engineer to sign. LabCorp received Preliminary and Final Site Plan approval, from the Planning Board, earlier this year for a significant investment/expansion to their existing facility. Mayor McMullin asked whether there is anything Public Works needs to be aware of when plowing this year, on Bell and Sherman, now that the road humps have been built. Engineer Bogart said there is not, but he will review with Acting Superintendent of Public Works Robert Fulminante prior to the first snowfall. 3
2. Downtown Safety, Lights and Cameras (CM) Mayor McMullin said this has been a work in progress. The Engineering firm did an analysis and determined that Somerset Street has less than an ideal amount of lighting. There has been a substantial growth of trees since being planted years ago. Public Works has been trimming the trees, but recently stopped in some areas due to the electrical wires near many of the trees. Attorney Wenner contacted PSE&G. Additionally, Police Chief Nolte is exploring the use of cameras on Somerset Street to assist the Police Department. He will provide a report to the governing body. Finally, the Borough has been in contact with the management of QuickChek, as well as the corporate chief of security. There have been some issues in that area. The company is being proactive and working with the Borough. We look forward to continued cooperation to address some of the issues. 3. Annual Reorganization and 2018 Meetings Dates and Times (PG) Councilman Giraldi said he wanted to discuss the calendar of meetings for 2018. Mayor McMullin said the traditional date for reorganization is Jan. 1, but the Governing Body has the option to hold it anytime during the first seven days of the year. (Crosstalk) Mayor and Council agreed to hold the reorganization meeting on Monday, January 1, 2018 at Noon. Mayor McMullin asked Council how they wished to handle the Regular Meeting dates for 2018. All parties were in agreement to maintain the 2017 schedule of the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month for Regular Meetings. Administrator Jaxel questioned how Mayor and Council would like to handle the summer months. Instead of canceling one meeting in July and one meeting in August, as was the case this year, Administrator Jaxel suggested scheduling one meeting for each month on the third Tuesday. Clerk Colvin agreed the third Tuesday would be best, if Mayor and Council wanted one meeting each month. Mayor and Council agreed to leave two meetings per month in the summer and cancel one each month, if they wish when the time approaches. On motion by Councilman Bray, seconded by Councilman McGinley, Council moved to Hold the 2018 Annual Reorganization Meeting on January 1, 2018 at Noon. : 4. Public Parking During Snow Storms (CM) Mayor McMullin said there was an issue last year getting permission for the public to park in certain lots in the Borough during snow storms, when vehicles needed to be removed from the streets. Public Works has also secured signs to use, along with the cooperation of the Police Department. Arrangements will be made with the owners of the lots for this snow season. More details will be ready for the December 19 meeting. 4
5. Temporary Construction Employees Bridgewater (DJ) Administrator Jaxel said an informal share of services is needed for temporary assistance in the Construction Department, as needed. There are two hiring Resolutions on the agenda for appointing two individuals, who are Bridgewater employees. ORDINANCES INTRODUCTION Ordinance No. 2017-20 An Ordinance of the Borough of Raritan, County of Somerset, State of New Jersey, Amending Chapter 82, Vehicles and Traffic, Article II, Prohibited Parking and Time Limit Parking, In Order To Create A New Section 5.1 Entitled Trailers On motion by Council President Carra, seconded by Councilman McGinley, Council moved to Introduce Ordinance No. 2017-20. : Ordinance No. 2017-21 An Ordinance of the Borough of Raritan, County of Somerset, State of New Jersey, Amending Chapter 49, Police Department, Section 7, Promotions Within the Police Department, Subsection (E), Regarding Promotions On motion by Councilman Bray, seconded by Councilman McGinley, Council moved to Introduce Ordinance No. 2017-21. : CONSENT AGENDA Resolution No. 2017-11-167 Authorizing 2017 Municipal Budget Transfer Resolution No. 2017-11-168 Approving LabCorps Expansion Application Resolution No. 2017-11-169 Authorizing Execution Commodity Resale Participation with Somerset County Resolution No. 2017-11-170 Refunding Railroad Parking Resolution No. 2017-11-171 Authorizing 2018/2019 Municipal Alliance Grant Application Resolution No. 2017-11-172 Refunding Tax Overpayment Resolution No. 2017-11-173 Appointing Temporary Fire Protection Subcode Official Resolution No. 2017-11-174 Appointing Temporary Building Subcode Official 5
On motion by Councilman McGinley, seconded by Councilman Carra, Council moved to Approve the Consent Agenda. : BILL LIST Resolution No. 2017-11-175 Approving Bill List On motion by Councilman Bray, seconded by Councilman Carra, Council moved to Approve the Bill List. : PURCHASE ORDER REQUESTS 1. Administration Gutter Repairs to Train Transit Building N. Tozzi Construction $5,265.00 On motion by Councilman Bray, seconded by Councilman McGinley, Council moved to Approve Purchase Order No. 1. : 2. Finance and Tax Collection Software Packages Edmunds & Associates $7,202.50 Mayor McMullin said Administrator Jaxel requested this Purchase Order be held until the next meeting Regular Meeting, December 19, 2017. OLD BUSINESS None COMMITTEE AND LIAISON REPORTS Councilman Foohey The Councilman said the Bridgewater-Raritan High School Football team will play in the championship game vs. Westfield at MetLife Stadium on Thursday, Nov. 30 at 8 p.m. The Historical Committee met last week and would like to purchase a portable speaker system in order to better broadcast audio during events, such as ones held at the new Veterans Park. Mayor McMullin agreed the amount of noise makes it difficult for audiences to hear. 6
Councilman Foohey said he wanted to remind residents to not block fire hydrants during snow storms when shoveling. The Councilman also congratulated councilmen elect Donald Tozzi and Pablo Orozco on their recent election victories. Councilman Carra The Councilman said he had nothing to report at this time. Councilman McGinley Councilman McGinley said there have been some difficulties securing gym space because there are so many sports teams in the area. The Councilman said Sports Coordinator Kevin Stianchi said he believes he has been able to secure the JFK School gymnasium on Monday nights. Also, Zumba would like to happen at Borough Hall in the basement. Councilman Foohey questioned why only one night a week at JFK School. Councilman McGinley said other programs booked it sooner, also, the PTO has preference and they established some groups. Council President Carra The Council President said Santa will be coming to Raritan on Sunday, December 3 from 3 to 5 p.m. in Borough Hall. There will be treats and a DJ. Happy Thanksgiving to all. Councilman Bray The Councilman read the monthly reports from the Municipal Court and Board of Health. The Councilman said he had nothing else to report. Councilman Giraldi Councilman Giraldi said the Environmental Commission did not have a meeting this month because they could not get a quorum and the Basilone Committee did not meet. PUBLIC COMMENT Mayor McMullin opened the second Public Comment portion of the meeting for members of the public wishing to speak. Seeing and hearing no one, the Mayor closed this Public Comment portion of the meeting. ADJOURNMENT On a motion by Councilman Carra, seconded by Councilman Foohey, Council moved to Adjourn the Regular Meeting. All in Favor Regular Meeting adjourned at 7:41 p.m. Eric M. Colvin, RMC, CMR Borough Clerk Approved: 7