BOROUGH OF METUCHEN COUNCIL MINUTES 7:30 PM The Regular Meeting of the Borough Council was held in the Council Chambers of Borough Hall on Monday,. The Meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. by Mayor Cammarano. Adequate notice of this meeting has been given in accordance with the Open Public Meeting Act, pursuant to Public Law 1975, Chapter 231. Said notice was sent to the Home News Tribune and Star Ledger on January 4, 2016, posted in Borough Hall and on file in the Clerk s Office. All requirements of the Open Public Meetings Act have been satisfied. The Invocation was given by Councilwoman Inserro and followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Present were Councilmembers Inserro, Leibfried, Muldoon, Rasmussen, Wallace, Council President Grayzel and Mayor Cammarano. Also present were Jennifer Maier, Borough Administrator, Denis Murphy, Esq. and Susan Jackson, Borough Clerk. Agenda Session Council President Grayzel made a motion to open the Agenda Session, second by Councilwoman Rasmussen, with all in favor, motion carried, 6-0. Councilwoman Rasmussen made the request that residents get the proper notification when road work is to be done so that they are aware of the work in order to make any appropriate arrangements during the road work. Mayor Cammarano asked Ms. Maier to contact the County to make sure notification is provided to the residents along with the hours that the work is to be performed. Councilman Leibfried asked for a status update on the pedestrian blinking light repair at Penn and Main. Ms. Maier said that the replacement pole has been ordered and as soon as it comes in, the light will be installed the same day. With no further actions taken Mayor Cammarano asked for a motion to close the agenda session. Council President Grayzel made a motion to close the Agenda Session, second by Councilman Leibfried, with all in favor, motion carried, 6-0. Regular Meeting Metuchen Downtown Alliance Presentation The Mayor opened the Council discussion on Metuchen Downtown Alliance. He noted that at this time there will not be a resident comment period but if any resident would like to comment they may do so during the Public Comment period.
Councilmembers Inserro and Muldoon explained how the Metuchen Downtown Alliance was set into motion and established; the work that has been done over the last two years, the structure of a 501c3 nonprofit Downtown management organization, the Board of Trustees make-up, funding and budget, and plans for the future of a Special Improvement District. The Council had a discussion/question period on the Business District area which included why other areas weren t included, the budget and funding, the Association structure and the benefits of having an Executive Director as well as many other benefits of forming a Special Improvement District. Council Minute Approval Council President Grayzel made a motion to approve the Borough Council minutes of March 21, 2016, Councilwoman Rasmussen second the motion, with all in favor, motion carried, 5-0. Public Comment Mayor Cammarano opened Public Comment to any members of the public wishing to speak. Bill Allen, Kentnor Street, Metuchen thanked all the officials that have gone out to Kentnor Park to inspect the park and the efforts that the Public Works Department has done to date on cleaning up the park. He also is pleased with the noise reduction at the railroad yard. He is happy to hear that there is an effort being made to correct the 287/27 interchange/bridge Street issues. He spoke on the Ordinance that was adopted to change the phone number on the cable bill and why it was a good ordinance to be updated. He listened to the presentation from last week on MDA before coming to tonight s meeting. He came to tonight s meeting feeling reluctant that MDA would work but after listening to the Council s discussion and watching last week s presentation, he feels that putting money back into the Borough is a good thing. Mr. Allen had other questions in regards to whether all businesses in Metuchen would be assessed the fees or just the businesses in the Improvement District and he would like to see something done about the conditions of the parking meters and if they are necessary at all on Main Street. Mayor Cammarano addressed the issue with why Metuchen needs to maintain the parking meters. He stated that the Parking Authority is putting up wayfinding signage that will let the public know where parking is available in town. There were further responses from Councilmembers addressing the questions brought up by Mr. Allen. Mayor Cammarano thanked Mr. Allen for bringing up the condition at Kentnor Park to the Council s attention. Daniel Cea, 58 Robbins Place, Metuchen stated that he is in favor of the implementation of MDA. He believes that Metuchen needs to made a destination location to compete with the malls and internet. Mr. Cea spoke about Inn Place and was wondering if there have been any further decisions about making Inn Place a park. Mayor Cammarano stated that there haven t been any further discussions at this point. There are different issues that need to be addressed and there is no determination as to the future of the property. Nancy Jessen, 48 Graham Avenue, Metuchen is against the Downtown Alliance. She spoke on the sad condition of the sidewalks in the downtown. There is litter on Main Street and the sidewalks are all different and broken. She would like to see an entire streetscape plan put into place to make the Downtown look inviting. Page 2 of 13
Councilman Muldoon responded that he does agree with the conditions on the Downtown area. He doesn t agree with her solutions and responded why the Downtown Alliance will be beneficial to repairing the streetscape and other issues with downtown Metuchen. Councilwoman Inserro also added how the MDA will benefit and support the downtown area. Ms. Maier commented that currently there is a grant application that has been submitted for $1,000,000 for Main Street Streetscape Improvements as well as discussions with NJDOT and NJTPA for more pedestrian/car safety improvements. With having the MDA in place, government agencies will be more apt to throw money to help with improvements to the downtown area. Ms..Jessen asked what the plan is for new parking meters. Councilman Muldoon responded that there was a study done already and currently the first part of the plan is to implement the wayfinding signage, which has been started by the Parking Authority, and the next part will be to install new parking meters which will allow pay-by-cell for parking. Linda Koskoski, 3 Goodwill Place is in favor of the MDA and as a former store owner stated that she would have welcomed the estimated $20.00 assessment fee to pay for the organization and the help that it will provide the downtown stores. Councilman Leibfried stated that just taking the proceeds from Pearl Street and putting that money into the sidewalks, there is still a missing part and that is having a centralized person who can take every part of the improvements and events and coordinate it as one great picture. Tom Rockefeller, 36 Linden Avenue, Metuchen wanted to thank everyone for all the work spent on putting together a plan and moving forward with it. He feels that it is the best way to spend the tax dollars in the downtown area. Bobbie Thievakumaran, East Chestnut Avenue, Metuchen and a member of the Metuchen Downtown Stakeholder Committee and wants to give her support for the creation of a Special Improvement District to help create the foundation for a downtown management organization. Seeing no one else wishing to speak, Mayor Cammarano closed the Public Comment. Ordinances Public Hearing Ordinance 2016-09 Council President Grayzel asked for the presentation of Affidavit of Publication for Ordinance 2016-09. Borough Clerk presented the affidavit of publication stating that said Ordinance 2016-09 has been published one time in the Home News Tribune according to Law on March 24, 2016. Council President Grayzel moved that the affidavit of publication be received and filed, second by Councilwoman Rasmussen, with all favor, the motion carried, 6-0. Council President Grayzel asked Borough Clerk to read Ordinance 2016-09 by title. Borough Clerk read Ordinance 2016-09 by title only Page 3 of 13
Ordinance 2016-09 An Ordinance to Amend the Code of the Borough of Metuchen, Various Chapters, to Amend Certain Application, License and Permit Fees Mayor Cammarano opened the Public Hearing on Ordinance 2016-09. Seeing no one wishing to speak, Mayor Cammarano closed the Public Hearing session. Council President Grayzel made a motion to pass Ordinance 2016-09 on second reading and be published according to law, second by Councilwoman Rasmussen. Mayor Cammarano asked for a roll call vote. Roll Call: Inserro, Leibfried, Muldoon, Rasmussen, Wallace and Grayzel voted yes. Ordinance 2016-09 was adopted, 6-0 ORDINANCE 2016-09 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE CODE OF THE BOROUGH OF METUCHEN, VARIOUS CHAPTERS, TO AMEND CERTAIN APPLICATION, LICENSE AND PERMIT FEES. BE IT ORDAINED by the Borough Council of the, as follows: Section 1. Section 169-3 of Chapter 169, Swimming Pools, of the Code of the, is hereby amended to add/change the following fees to read as follows: RESIDENT MEMBERSHIPS RATES: (Prior to April 15) (1) Resident Family: $330.00 (of which $10 is designated (equivalent membership: one) (2) Resident Family Plus $420.00 (of which $10 is designated (3) Resident Individual $185.00 (of which $5 is designated as food service voucher rate) (4) Resident Senior $ 65.00 RESIDENT RATES (after April 15) (1) Resident Family $390.00 (of which $10 is designated (equivalent membership: one) Page 4 of 13
(2) Resident Family Plus $480.00 (of which $10 is designated (3) Resident Individual $195.00 (of which $5 is designated as food service voucher rate) (4) Resident Senior $ 65.00 NON RESIDENT RATES: (Prior to April 15) (1) Nonresident family $510.00 (of which $10 is designated (2) Nonresident Family Plus $590.00 (of which $10 is designated (3) Nonresident Individual $275.00 (of which $5 is designated as food service voucher rate) (4) Nonresident senior $170.00 NON RESIDENT RATES: (After to April 15) (1)Nonresident family (2)Nonresident Family Plus $560.00 (of which $10 is designated $635.00 (of which $10 is designated (3) Nonresident Individual $305.00 (of which $5 is designated as food service voucher rate) (4) Nonresident senior $170.00 MISCELLANEOUS FEE SCHEDULE: Teen Dances - Members $ 1.00 - Non-Members $ 3.00 Movie Nights - Kids $ 2.00 - Adults $ 3.00 General Event $ 5.00 Swim Lessons $ 30.00 per 6 Lessons Swim Clinic $ 75.00 Masters Swim $ 25.00 per Season Page 5 of 13
Camp Rentals Long Course Rentals $140.00 per hour $125.00 per hour Communications Consent Agenda Items A Council President Grayzel made a motion to move Communication Consent Agenda, Items A, Councilwoman Rasmussen second the motion, with all in favor, motion carried, 6-0 A. Receive and Accept Arts Council Meeting Minutes of January 25, 2016 and February 22, 2016 Reports of Councilmembers Mayor Cammarano opened Reports of Councilmembers. Council President Grayzel - Construction on the Metuchen/Edison/Whitman County Dog Park begins this week. - Arts Council is hosting a bus tour on May 4, 2016 to the Barnes Foundation to see the Picasso exhibit. The bus leaves from the Metuchen Pool Parking lot at 8AM and returns abut 6PM. The cost is $73.00 per person. Reservations can be made by calling Nancy Goldberg at 732-632-8502 or email: ngoldberg@metuchen.com. - The School House Songwriters Series starts April 16 at 8PM at the Old Franklin Schoolhouse featuring local artists Bev Grant, Lara Herscovitch, Wendy Ramsay and Jeffrey Pepper Rodgers Mayor Cammarano asked the anticipated finish date of the Dog Park. Council President Grayzel said sometime mid-summer. Councilwoman Inserro - The Board of Health is scheduled to meet May 4 th. - The Municipal Alliance is hosting a Magic Show at Campbell School on Friday, April 15, 2016 at 7PM. Doors open at 6:30PM. The fee is $10.00 per adult. One child is admitted free, with each paid adult admission; each additional child is $3.00. This is a fund raising event to help fund the drug abuse prevention programs for Metuchen. - On April 8, 2016 at the Senior Center, a String Quartet from Metuchen High School will be preforming at noon. People can arrive at 11:30am for light refreshments. - There is a new chair exercise class on Friday, April 15 and April 22, 2016 at the Senior Center. Councilman Leibfried - The Pool Commission will be meeting next week - The Board of Library Trustees will be meeting next week. Councilman Muldoon has no report at this time. Councilwoman Rasmussen - The Chamber of Commerce met and was interviewed by Della Cruz on Spotlight on Metuchen. She is checking to see if it will be broadcasted again so residents can watch it at a later date. - The Annual Yard Sale is on April 16, 2016. For registration go to the Chamber website to sign up. If you are a Family Member of the Chamber, this event is free. - The Environmental Commission has submitted an ANJEC grant for $1500 on March 31, 2016. The grant is for wayfinding and information on all the Metuchen Parks. The hope is to Page 6 of 13
implement a website for people to go to and find information on the amenities in each of the parks. - The Environmental Commission and the Green Team will be having a composting seminar at the BIL on April 16 th from noon to 3pm. A grant was received for $25,000 which will provide 500 free composters for Metuchen s residents. Councilman Wallace has no report at this time. Reports of Officers Denis Murphy, Esq. has no report at this time. Jennifer Maier, Administrator - The grant for Get Active NJ for $1,500 for the Master Plan re-examination has been submitted - Last week, Ms. Maier met with Fairfield Insurance for health insurance. IDA will be presenting their proposal next Tuesday. - Maser Consulting is preparing a request regarding the 287/27 Interchange to the DOT. The Problem Statement form (TP-1) will be submitted to the Division of Capital Investment, Planning and Development. Maser is checking to see if the fee amount is still available in the budget. - A new senior bus will be displayed by Wolfington at the Senior Center on Tuesday at 11:30 for comments from the seniors. - The How to Open a Business in Metuchen brochure has been completed and put on the website and Borough Facebook page. - The County is doing a Healthy Kids event on April 30 th. It will be held at the YMCA. - The Safe Routes to School-Blinking Crosswalks, Metuchen is still waiting for DOT to approve the engineers proposal. - Rich DeSimone has been selected by the Jersey Access Group (JAG) to represent their interests with NJSLOM. He will be working closely with the Chair of the NJSLOM Communication Committee. Report of Mayor - There are a couple of paving projects starting soon. The County will be paving Plainfield between Central and Main. - Metuchen has received a $375,000 grant approval for the repaving of Norris and Mason. - The 2016 Edison/Metuchen Mayor s Bicycle Tour is on May 15, 2016. The tour beings at Edison Municipal Complex and weave its around both town. The information is available on the website or contact the Recreation Department. There is a $10.00 registration fee and a free shirt is provided with that registration. - Mayor appointed Lynn Nowak, member of the Planning Board, as the liaison to the Environmental Commission. - Youth Baseball opens this coming weekend. The parade starts at 9:00am. - DPW did a great job cleaning up after the wind storm this past weekend. - Council President Grayzel, Borough Administrator and a representative from Maser Consulting and Mayor Cammarano toured the parks on Sunday. They did a survey of all the conditions of the parks. That information will be compiled with recommendations on needed repairs and to prioritize the work. - Mayor Cammarano received a letter from Judge Francis, the assignment Judge of Middlesex County, stating that Metuchen must provide a security screening for court sessions. There is no funding for this from the County. Mayor Cammarano has instructed Ms. Maier to convene the Court Room Security Task Force to locate some potential security solutions. Page 7 of 13
Councilwoman Inserro asked if Complete Streets will be included in any of the paving projects. Mayor Cammarano responded that Metuchen will make sure that the Complete Street policy is incorporated into the paving projects where available. New Business Resolutions 2016-86 through 2016-92 Council President Grayzel moved New Business Consent Agenda Resolutions 2016-86 through R2016-92 for approval, second by Councilwoman Rasmussen, with all in favor, motion carried, 6-0 RESOLUTION 2016-86 RESOLUTION AWARDING BID FOR 2016 MUNICIPAL POOL MAINTENANCE CONTRACT WHEREAS, bids were received by the Borough Administrator on March 16, 2016 for the 2016 Municipal Pool Maintenance for the ; and WHEREAS, the Finance Officer has determined that sufficient funds will be available in the amount of $32,219.40 as evidenced by the Finance Officer's certification, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Borough Council of the,, that the contract for the 2015 Municipal Pool Maintenance be and the same is hereby awarded to most responsive bidder, Aquatic Service, Inc., 170 Burlington Avenue, Spotswood, NJ 08884. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Mayor and the Borough Clerk are hereby authorized and directed to execute the contract for the same. RESOLUTION 2016-87 RESOLUTION AMENDING CERTAIN SALARIES BE IT RESOLVED, by the Mayor and Council of the that the pay of each officer and employee whose pay range is established under Ordinance 92-25 and amendments thereto and who is not covered by a collective bargaining agreement is hereby set for the calendar year commencing January 1, 2016 as follows: GROUP I - LIBRARY PERSONNEL-Salary adjustment and increase per Library Board GROUP II - PART TIME OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES A. Councilmembers $ 1,200/yr. Mayor $ 2,000/yr. Page 8 of 13
Library Personnel Per Library Board Municipal Judge $15,000/yr Municipal Prosecutor $13,000/yr Public Defender $ 7,500/yr Registrar $10,000/yr Deputy Registrar $ 4,000/yr Municipal Alliance Coordinator $ 5,000/yr. C-3 Sanitary Sewer Collection System Operator $ 6,000/yr Office of Emergency Management Coordinator $ 6,000/yr B. 2.0% increase on 2014 base salary: Video Coordinator Asst. Video Coordinator Bus Drivers Part-Time Clerk and Secretaries Construction Official Plumbing Subcode Official Plumbing Inspector Electrical Subcode Official Electrical Inspector Fire Department/Fire Prevention Secretary Fire Subcode Official Fire Inspectors Building Subcode Official Building Inspector Alternate Subcode Official Alternate Inspectors Janitors, Firehouse School Crossing Guards Zoning Officer Fire Official GROUP III - RECREATIONAL SEASONAL EMPLOYEES Starting rate at $6.60 plus $0.25 per hour increase for all returning hourly employees that are not at the maximum for the range plus $25.00 per week increase for weekly returning employees that are not at the maximum for the range except as follows: Cooking Program Director Tennis Director Tennis Instructor Drama Director Art Director Soccer Camp Director Soccer Counselor (1 ST Year) Soccer Trainer (1st Year) Track Camp Director Track Advisor Track Specialist Basketball Director Recreation Assistant Recreation Specialist Field Hockey Director Field Hockey Coach Field Hockey Referees $ 40.00/hr $ 75.00/hr $ 10.00/hr $ 50.00/hr $ 50.00/hr $750.00/week $150.00/week $350.00/week $750.00/week $500.00/week $300.00/week $600.00/week $ 8.00/hr $ 10.00/hr $ 30.00/hr $ 20.00/hr $ 10.00/hr GROUP IV - SEASONAL EMPLOYEES/POOL Pool Manager $9,700.00 Page 9 of 13
Assistant Managers (experienced) $8,000.00/season Assistant Manager $7,100.00/season Aquatics Director $3,000.00/season Head Swim Team Coach* $2,200.00/season Assistant Swim Team Coach $1,000.00/season Swim Team Assistant $ 750.00/season Lifeguard (1st year) $ 7.25/hr. Lifeguard (2nd & 3 rd year) $ 8.00/hr. Lifeguard (4th & 5 th year) $ 8.75/hr. Senior Lifeguard $ 9.25/hr. Head Lifeguard (1 st & 2 nd year) $ 10.25/hr Head Lifeguard (3 rd year and up) $ 10.75/hr. Head Diving Coach $1,500.00/season Assistant Diving Coach $1,100.00/season Activities Director $1,500.00/season Swim Instructor (first year) $ 6.75/hr Swim Instructor (2 nd & 3 rd year) $ 7.00/hr Swim Instructor (4 th year & up) $ 7.50/hr Head Maintenance $ 9.00/hr Maintenance, Laborer (first year) $ 6.25/hr Maintenance, Laborer (2 nd & 3rd) $ 6.50/hr Maintenance, Laborer (4 years & up) $ 7.00/hr Gate Attendants (1 st year) $ 6.00/hr. Gate Attendants (2 nd and 3 rd years) $ 6.25 /hr Gate Attendants (4 th year & up) $ 7.00 /hr Head Gate Attendant (1 st and 2 nd year) $ 8.00/hr. Head Gate Attendant (3 rd year and up) $ 8.25/hr. *position not filled when Aquatics Director position is filled and acts as Head Coach GROUP V FULL TIME OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES 2.0% increase on 2014 base salary: Administrative Secretary Administrative Officer Borough Clerk, Court Administrator Recreation Director, Tax Assessor, Senior Citizens Director DPW Superintendent Chief Financial Officer/Tax Collector, Public Works Director Borough Administrator 2015 Retired Police Chief BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that no officer or employee shall be paid at a rate which is above the maximum rate for any salary range in any of the aforementioned groups; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that unless otherwise provided for all new employees or newly promoted employees shall be paid at the minimum rate of the salary range for the position to which they are hired. However, the Borough Administrator may hire a prospective employee who possesses qualifications for the position at a rate above the minimum rate, but in no case shall a new employee be hired at a rate which is greater than that of a current employee in the same range. Page 10 of 13
RESOLUTION 2016-88 RESOLUTION REFUNDING SIDEWALK ESCROW FEE #16-002 22 BEVERLY COURT WHEREAS, Just Thought of it Construction posted $164.00 for apron and sidewalk escrow fees at 22 Beverly Court; and WHEREAS, the Planning Board Secretary has requested that the escrow fees be refunded to Just Thought of it Construction, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Just Thought of it Construction be refunded $164.00 from the Sidewalk Inspection Escrow account. RESOLUTION 2016-89 RESOLUTION REFUNDING SIDEWALK ESCROW FEE #15-033 304 EAST CHESTNUT AVENUE WHEREAS, Michael Manheim posted $240.00 for apron fees at 304 East Chestnut Avenue; and WHEREAS, the Planning Board Secretary has requested that the escrow fees be refunded to Michael Manheim, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Michael Manheim be refunded $240.00 from the Sidewalk Inspection Escrow account. RESOLUTION 2016-90 RESOLUTION APPOINTING FIREFIGHTER JAKE GALEOTA WHEREAS, the Mayor and Borough Council have been notified by Rob Donnan, Chief of the Metuchen Fire Department, that Jake Galeota has been approved to be a permanent member of the Metuchen Fire Department; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Mayor and Borough Council of the Borough of Metuchen that in accordance with Chapter 8 of the Code of the, Jake Galeota be and he is hereby elected, approved, and confirmed as a permanent member of the Fire Department of the Borough Page 11 of 13
of Metuchen. RESOLUTION 2016-91 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING PROCESS AND SUBMISSION OF 2016 GRANT WHEREAS, the,, desires to further the public interest by obtaining the following grants from the ; New Jersey Department of Health NJPN s Get Active NJ program NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Metuchen as follows: 1) The does hereby authorize Jennifer Maier, Metuchen Borough Administrator, to prepare and submit the grant application and if awarded, to execute all grant agreements of the following grant: New Jersey Department of Health NJPN s Get Active NJ program. RESOLUTION 2016-92 RESOLUTION AMENDING 2016 TEMPORARY BUDGET WHEREAS, N.J.S.A. 40A:4-19 of the Local Budget Act provides that temporary appropriations shall be made for the purposes and amounts required in the manner and time therein provided; NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the following additional temporary emergency appropriations shall be made for the year 2016, effective : Other New Business Streets & Roads OE 10,000.00 Buildings & Grounds OE 10,000.00 Library 200,000.00 Street Lighting 50,000.00 Utilities 50,000.00 TOTAL 320,00.00 POOL OE 35,000.00 Council President Grayzel made a motion to approve R2016-93; authorizing the Payment of the Bill List in the amount of $182,099.11, second by Councilwoman Rasmussen, with all in favor, motion carried, 6-0. Page 12 of 13
RESOLUTION 2016-93 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PAYMENT OF THE BILL LIST BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the that the proper warrants be drawn and all bills be paid totaling $182,099.11 I, Rebecca Cuthbert, Chief Financial Officer of the do hereby certify that funds are available for the payment of bills for the. Public Session Mayor Cammarano opened Public Session to anyone wishing to speak on new items only. Seeing no one wishing to speak, Mayor Cammarano closed the Public Session. Adjournment Council President Grayzel made a motion to adjourn the meeting, second by Councilwoman Rasmussen, with all in favor; the meeting was adjourned at 9:02 PM, 6-0. Respectfully Submitted, Susan D. Jackson, RMC Metuchen Borough Clerk Page 13 of 13