The regular meeting of the East Amwell Township Committee was called to order at 7:30 p.m. Present were Mayor C. Larry Tatsch and Committee members Richard Spiegel, Linda Lenox, and Patricia Cregar. Deputy Mayor Kathleen Machnik was absent. Township Administrator Timothy Matheny was also in attendance.
In compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act, Municipal Clerk Teresa R. Stahl announced that this is a regularly scheduled meeting, pursuant to the resolution adopted on January 1, 2007, and a meeting notice published in the Hunterdon County Democrat issue of January 4, 2007. A copy of the agenda for this meeting was forwarded to the Hunterdon County Democrat, Times of Trenton, Star Ledger, Courier News, posted on the bulletin board, and filed in the Clerk's Office on November 16, 2007.
The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag.
At this time, based upon receipt of the November 13, 2007, Board of County Canvasser's Certification of November 6, 2007, Election, the Oath of Office was administered by the Clerk to Patricia A. Cregar for the unexpired term through December 31, 2008. Linda Lenox held the bible for Mrs. Cregar.
AGENDA REVIEW
Under Standing Committees, Farmland/Open Space Preservation Committee, table the request for appraisal approval for Geils, Block 27/Lot 7; Under Correspondence, add the following: 11/14 Letter from State Historic Preservation Office approving the stabilization project at Clawson House; 11/16 Email from Marcia Karrow on new Highland Legislation; 11/13 NJ Transit Letter on Proposed Restoration of Passenger Rail Service on West Trenton Line; and 11/12 Invitation from Washington Township to participate in a forum on 12/4/07 regarding Email Retention and OPRA.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Municipal Offices will be closed for the Thanksgiving Holiday on Thursday and Friday, November 22 and 23, 2007.
The Annual Holiday Tree Lighting Event will take place on Sunday, December 2, 2007, at 4 p.m. The public is invited to enjoy the festivities.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
November 8, 2007, Regular Minutes were approved on a motion by Mr. Spiegel, seconded by Ms. Lenox, and carried unanimously with minor typing corrections on page 1 and 6, and on page 5, under 2007 Overlay Work Completion, change language to read, "The cost per ton for the contract was $56.65 per ton."
November 8, 2007, Executive
Minutes were approved on a motion by Mr. Spiegel, seconded by Ms. Lenox,
and carried unanimously with a minor typing correction made by Mr. Tatsch.
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC (for Comments from the Public for Items Not on the Agenda)
Andrea Bonette, 17 Ridge Road, asked the following questions: 1) Who signs the Administrator's time card; Mr. Tatsch said the question would not be answered. 2) Mrs. Bonette asked about taking courses for the CFO and a policy on failed courses. Mr. Tatsch stated that it will be decided when the time comes, and any issues will be handled by the Administrator. Some discussion took place between Mrs. Cregar and Mrs. Bonette on failed courses; Mr. Tatsch concluded that there was no issue, and this was reiterated.
Mrs. Bonette commented on her involvement with the Meszaros junkyard project, not as a matter of appreciation, but to be placed on the record. She was involved in 2003 in arranging for New Jersey Department of Environmental Projection soil testing with federal grant funding at an estimate of $55,000 for the work. Mrs. Bonette was also instrumental in applying for the tire clean up grant in 2004 and in the actual receipt of the grant in 2005 in the amount of $283,000 for tire clean up. She commented on some confusion in recent discussions, and she wanted to add this for the record.
Mr. Spiegel made the motion, seconded by Mrs. Cregar, and it was carried unanimously to close to the public.
INTRODUCTION OF
ORDINANCES/PUBLIC HEARINGS
Introduction of Ordinance:
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ORDINANCE 07-17: AN ORDINANCE TO PROVIDE FOR THE PURCHASE OF AN EXPRESSWAY STYLE, 11 FOOT POWER ANGLE REVERSIBLE SNOW PLOW AS A GENERAL IMPROVEMENT FOR THE TOWNSHIP OF EAST AMWELL, IN THE COUNTY OF HUNTERDON, NEW JERSEY AND APPROPRIATING $10,000.00 WHICH INCLUDES $500.00 FROM THE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT FUND AND $9,500.00 FROM THE CAPITAL SURPLUS
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE OF THE TOWNSHIP OF EAST AMWELL IN THE COUNTY OF HUNTERDON, NEW JERSEY, as follows:
Section 1. The improvement described in Section 2 of this Ordinance is hereby authorized as a general improvement to be made or acquired by the Township of East Amwell, New Jersey. For the said improvement or purposes described in Section 2, there is hereby appropriated the sum of $10,000.00 said sum being inclusive of all appropriations heretofore made therefor.
Section 2. The Township of East Amwell is hereby authorized to purchase an expressway style, 11-foot power angle reversible snow plow.
Section 3. It is hereby determined and stated that the undertaking of the aforesaid work, acquisition or improvement is not a current expense of the Township of East Amwell, but rather a capital expense and the East Amwell Township's estimated cost of said work, acquisition or improvement is $10,000.00.
Section 4. The sum of $10,000.00 is hereby appropriated for said purpose. The funding is provided by appropriating $500.00 from the Capital Improvement Fund and $9,500.00 from the Capital Surplus of the Township of East Amwell for said purpose as required by law and now available therefore in one or more previously adopted ordinances.
Section 5. No debt of any kind is authorized for this undertaking.
Section 6. This ordinance shall take effect immediately upon adoption, according to law.
By Order of the Township Committee,
___________________________
C. Larry Tatsch, Mayor
Attest:________________________
Teresa R. Stahl, RMC/CMC
Municipal Clerk
Introduced: November 20, 2007
Adopted:
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Mr. Tatsch explained recent discussions on the amount of time it takes plowing intersections and certain roads since the Department of Public Works (DPW) did not have an angled plow. The Township Committee and the DPW agreed that it is appropriate to purchase the angled plow for quicker response time.
Motion by Mrs. Cregar, seconded by Ms. Lenox, and carried unanimously to introduce Ordinance 07-17. The ordinance will be published in the November 29, 2007, issue of the Hunterdon County Democrat, and the public hearing is set for Thursday, December 13, 2007, at 7:30 p.m. at the regular Township Committee meeting.
Public Hearings - None
SPECIAL DISCUSSIONS
Mr. Spiegel felt that this was the appropriate time to mention the Flood Hazard Control Act of 2006, which he mentioned at the last meeting. The Act was adopted on November 5, 2007, and Mr. Spiegel spoke with a representative at the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection about this. The regulations are not yet published in the New Jersey Register, but they are available on the website. Mr. Spiegel mentioned his previous concerns of new regulations superseding stormwater regulations, and he spoke about more stringent rules in trout streams; his question to the state (which could not be answered) was whether the rules applied to natural or stocked streams. The regulations will be restrictive on new farmers, while current farmers maybe grandfathered. Mr. Spiegel stated that this was his concern with respect to approving stormwater management changes, which may have to be changed again, based on the new rules.
Mrs. Stahl commented on speaking with Tracy Carluccio earlier today. Ms. Carluccio is familiar with the rules to which Mr. Spiegel was referring and did not see a problem. The ad hoc committee on stormwater management will be discussing this issue at their December 5th meeting.
SPECIAL COMMITTEE REPORTS - None
STANDING COMMITTEE REPORTS
FARMLAND/OPEN SPACE PRESERVATION COMMITTEE (F/LOSPC):
1) NJ Barn Company in West Amwell: Ms. Lenox explained that the request for support of the preservation of the property was requested from D & R Greenway Land Trust and discussed at the F/LOSPC meeting last night. F/LOSPC agreed that further information was necessary, and the letter will be reworded by F/LOSPC Administrator Conard and be resubmitted for Township Committee consideration.
Mr. Spiegel raised concerns about the D & R Greenway Land Trust outstanding matter in not installing the Omick Woods Sign on the Omick property on Route 31. Mrs. Stahl had previously advised the Mayor about this concern, and Mr. Tatsch agreed that he would send a letter as Mayor, if warranted. Mrs. Stahl also brought this matter to Mr. Spiegel's attention, stating that Mrs. Omick has been in the office on several occasions inquiring about this. The contract signed with D & R Greenway Land Trust in early summer indicated that the sign would be erected within 60 days. Mrs. Stahl spoke again to Mr. Ammon at D & R Greenway Land Trust today, and he indicates that the sign should be installed next week. Mrs. Stahl will keep the governing body advised about this matter.
RECYCLING COMMITTEE:
1) Update on the 11/16 Hunterdon County Meeting re: Solid Waste Plan Amendment: Motion by Mrs. Cregar, seconded by Ms. Lenox, and carried unanimously to open to the floor to allow Tim Martin to speak about the meeting. Mr. Martin explained that he and Will Harrison attended the meeting on 11/16, noting participation by others and the hard work on the ordinance. Mr. Martin spoke about accessing the website for information. He explained that the County Plan will be sent to the state for comments, and it is probably a year off for action by the municipalities. Mr. Martin felt that it will require a lot of work on the part of the municipalities, and if they do not do it, the Freeholders will have to take charge and send municipalities bills for the work. Mr. Martin was surprised to see that not all municipalities participated in the meeting, and he felt that East Amwell was in good shape. Mr. Tatsch asked if the topic of enforcement was discussed. Mr. Martin said it was mentioned, but not the question of how to enforce, i.e., municipalities must enforce, or the Freeholders will do it. Mr. Tatsch questioned how it would work in a municipality without municipal collections; Mr. Martin stated the mechanics would have to be worked out. The attorney for the Freeholders was at the County meeting, noting that while they do not want enforcement, they have to require it.
Some discussion took place on having Raritan Valley Disposal (RVD) for hauling, noting they make reports on recyclables, and good reporting is a requirement. There was no discussion at the County meeting on whether RVD would be able to enforce for the municipalities. Reference was made to tonnage estimates for the municipality, i.e., a figure of 7 tons was mentioned.
The conclusion of the discussion was that Mr. Harrison will keep the Township Committee updated, and that while the new requirements will be challenging, many municipalities will be experiencing the same problem.
Motion by Ms. Lenox, seconded by Mrs. Cregar, and carried unanimously to close to the public.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
TOWNSHIP ADMINISTRATOR'S UPDATE:
1) Municipal Building: Electrical work has been completed in the basement, and Darlis Maksymovich was helpful with issuing permits quickly. The wallboard is up, and spackling is being done; a door has been installed, and new lighting was also installed in the records room.
Plans prepared by Terry Golda have been revised with incorporated changes. Mr. Matheny felt that, at quick glance, the plans look good.
Mrs. Cregar asked about painting the rail on the outside of the building, stating that "it looks terrible." Mr. Spiegel and Mr. Matheny explained the difficulties in painting the aluminum railing, which was not properly treated for painting. Some methods were already tried, i.e., dry ice and sandblasting; steel wool, and the cost for the work would be $75.00 per foot. Mr. Tatsch spoke about specific treatment used for aircraft with an epoxy material. The search is still on for a vendor who can process aluminum, but the cost may be close to $8,000.00. Mrs. Stahl also mentioned the hole in the façade at the front of the building, which is getting larger.
Mr. Matheny stated that the defibrillator has been placed in the equipment box in the hallway of the municipal building.
2) League of Municipalities Convention: Mr. Matheny spoke about attending the Convention, along with the Mayor, with "amazing seminars and good opportunities to meet vendors.” One vendor sold speed signs, which was a topic discussed previously by the Township Committee. Mr. Matheny spoke about the different types of speed signs, e.g., trailer type, pole mounted units, purchase of unit with or without a trailer, etc.
Discussion took place, with the following highlights: Mr. Tatsch agreed that one of the biggest complaints Township Committee members get is excessive speed and infrequent police coverage; Mr. Tatsch personally felt that it was important to attempt to do what the governing body could to improve the situation; use of the radar sign which shows the speed limit would slow traffic; the equipment could also have a data logger listing every vehicle, speed of vehicle, and time of day - this information would be more effective for police enforcement, i.e., advise them of the appropriate times to catch violators; prices would be $4,000 for the pole mounted unit, $4,200 for the pole mounted unit with data logger; and $7,000 for a trailer mounted unit. Mr. Matheny also noted that trailers could be purchased as kits for a few hundred dollars, and the DPW would be able to install the pole mounted unit on the trailer; Mr. Tatsch already spoke with DPW Superintendent Howell and Township Committee member elect Peter Kneski about this, and Mr. Howell felt that the DPW could fabricate a mount.
Further discussion included the following: The Treasurer will be asked if there is any funding available in this year's budget, i.e., if the purchase is held off until next year, it would likely be May or June before the unit could be purchased after the budget is adopted. Mr. Tatsch asked the governing body for their thoughts on whether there was a consensus on whether to purchase and at what cost limit.
Mr. Spiegel asked what calming devices were being considered by the County for the village area, i.e., a blinking light in the village area. Mr. Tatsch commented on previous discussions about an island, a peninsula, etc., but no one was aware of a blinking light.
Ms. Lenox asked about possible vandalism to the trailer or unit, i.e., could they be smashed. Mr. Tatsch relayed that it was "heavy duty" material, and Ms. Lenox liked the idea of data collection. Mr. Matheny reminded the Township Committee about the complaints on Rocktown Hill Road, with the Department of Transportation (DOT) asking for surveys of traffic counts; he felt that the data logger would provide this type of information, which the DOT would accept.
Mr. Spiegel asked about cameras with solar panels; Mr. Matheny stated that the state does not recognize this type of equipment yet.
Mr. Tatsch asked Mr. Kneski and Mr. Martin in the audience for their opinion. Mrs. Cregar and Ms. Lenox were in support of the equipment. Mr. Martin felt that the equipment may cost $6,000 or more, and the governing body would have to justify the purchase, but he was supportive. Mr. Spiegel asked about new speed bumps in Princeton, which coerces the speed to 25 mph. Mr. Kneski explained that Princeton Township does not allow speed bumps because of the damage it may do to undercarriages of vehicles, particularly for emergency vehicles. They may be allowed in the Borough, but not the Township.
Terry Golda provided literature at a previous Township Committee meeting, showing a pavement overlay with brick pattern and texture, but the County and State do not like this type of rumble strip. Mr. Tatsch stated that of all options, he believes that the speed traffic sign is on top. Mr. Kneski noted that the Princeton Police force uses these types of signs all the time, and the traffic counts are beneficial - signs reduce speeds instead of using the police, and they are multi-functional.
Mrs. Cregar asked about restrictions of the use on State and County roads; Mr. Kneski said they are usually allowed, but the State and County must be notified of their use.
Mr. Tatsch concluded that there was a consensus of opinion to proceed with the purchase, and a capital ordinance will be crafted.
3) Village Traffic Concerns: Mr. Tatsch also noted that in conjunction with this discussion, there was a recent meeting of residents in the Village area, and a number of issues came up. The sign campaign is underway, and nice signs were erected in the Village area. The residents also spoke about local businesses who have clearly overweight trucks speeding through the area, and a letter was drafted to be sent on letterhead with signature by the Mayor or the Clerk asking the business owners to advise their employees not to speed. All were in agreement that the Mayor should sign the letters.
4) Clawson Park: Mr. Matheny spoke about the success he and the Mayor achieved at the League of Municipalities Convention in getting State Historic Preservation Office representatives to release the approval for the stabilization of the Clawson House. Mr. Tatsch said that the stabilization project will be publicized, and the Hunterdon County Democrat will be asked to be present. Members of the Historic Preservation Committee will also be asked to be at the photo-op. Mr. Matheny commented on putting up the Phase I sign and on ordering the park sign.
RESCHEDULING OF THE 2008 REORGANIZATION MEETING (See 11/08/07 Minutes for Background). Timothy Martin will be on vacation and unable to attend reorganization on January 1. While a suggestion was made to hold the meeting on the weekend (January 5 or 6), the Treasurer advised that payroll must be provided to the staff on January 3, and that is the last day possible to reorganize. The Township Committee agreed to hold reorganization on January 3, 2008, at 8:00 p.m. to allow Mr. Martin sufficient time to make the meeting.
NEW BUSINESS
SETTING DATES FOR BUDGET MEETINGS The governing body and the Township Committee members-elect discussed budget meeting schedules, with the following comments: while past Township Committee members preferred 7:00 a.m. meetings, the current body prefers evening or Saturday meetings to allow more public participation. A mix of times (e.g., evenings, weekends, and morning meetings) may be considered; Mr. Martin preferred Friday meetings.
Mrs. Luhrs will hold a budget information session to familiarize the new members with the budget process, and all agreed that the public meeting will take place on Thursday, November 29, 2007, at 7:00 p.m.
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Motion by Ms. Lenox, seconded by Mrs. Cregar, and it was carried unanimously to open to the public for comments.
Andrea Bonette, 17 Ridge Road, expressed delight in seeing that the three new Township Committee members were considerate of the traffic concerns of the public. Mrs. Bonette stated that it is the most serious concern of everyone, second to taxes. Mrs. Bonette noted that she and previous Township Committee members were very concerned with traffic issues, and she spoke about a system in Westfield, New Jersey, where citizens patrol with radar guns. There is no legal enforcement, and one resident clocks the speed, while another writes the license number. A letter is then sent by the Police Department warning motorists to be cautious with their speed. Mrs. Bonette agreed that if the State Police patrols the area, such letters might be helpful.
Mrs. Bonette commented on the Ringoes traffic issues, stating that she was chair of a committee appointed by the Planning Board until she was removed. She stated that Planner Frank Banisch and Engineer Dennis O'Neal were very much involved in discussions with the County; speed bumps were an item of discussion at the time, and the County agreed to pay for the project. Mrs. Bonette said that there was a huge history, and she recommended that Mr. O'Neal be asked for information.
Mrs. Bonette congratulated the three new Township Committee members on their appointment.
Mr. Tatsch said that Mr. Banisch and Mr. O'Neal were involved with earlier meetings with the County, which "have lost steam." Mr. Tatsch and Mr. Matheny recently walked the Ringoes area, and placing signs in cross walks was a suggestion; Mr. Matheny did send a letter to the State about this, but has received no response yet.
Further comments were exchanged by the governing body and Mrs. Bonette, with the following highlights: Mr. Tatsch commented on the sidewalk plans with the traffic improvements - the matters are not resolved; Mr. Spiegel spoke about Hillsborough Township making their own signs at this time, and since East Amwell is part of the Somerset Co-operative, signs may be purchased by East Amwell; getting County and State approval for putting up signs was mentioned; discussion was held on a small stretch of road from the overpass to the fire house on Route 31 in terms of maintenance and coverage.
Frances Gavigan, 123 Wertsville Road, felt that the most effective means of communication would be to meet with Hunterdon County representatives John Glynn and Jim Martin or attend a Freeholders' Meeting. She also urged that the Township Committee "not forget the valley" when considering traffic calming devices. Ms. Gavigan spoke about the lack of enforcement by the police in East Amwell, and she felt that "someone will get killed." Ms. Gavigan asked about camera mounted video tapes and enforceability. The Township Committee stated that citizens can take their complaints to the courts.
Ms. Gavigan asked if the up-coming budget meeting was open to the public; the Township Committee advised her in the affirmative.
Motion by Mr. Spiegel, seconded by Ms. Lenox, and it was carried unanimously to close to the public.
Mr. Matheny commented on current police coverage in the village area.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
TREASURER LUHRS presented the bills of the evening and a revenue report. Motion by Mrs. Cregar and seconded by Ms. Lenox to approve the bills of the evening. Mr. Spiegel questioned the bill for A.B.C. Road sweeping; and Mr. Matheny explained that it was for sweeping the roads as prep work during the recent 2007 overlay project on Woodsville, Snydertown, and Van Lieu's Roads. The bills were approved unanimously.
Treasurer's Resolutions:
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RESOLUTION #156-07
WHEREAS, it has been determined by the Zoning Board of Adjustment of the Township of East Amwell that the following escrow fee can be refunded;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Township Committee of the Township of East Amwell that the Treasurer is hereby authorized to refund the following amount to the applicants:
Applicant Amount Refunded
Verizon (Block 34/Lot 37) $63.64
By Order of the Township Committee,
______________________________
C. Larry Tatsch, Mayor
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RESOLUTION #157-07
WHEREAS, N.J.S.A. 40A:4-58 permits appropriation transfers during the last two months of the current fiscal year between line items of the municipal budget; and
WHEREAS, it has been determined that certain line items are in excess of the sums needed and certain line items have insufficient funds to complete the operation of the fiscal year;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Township Committee of the Township of East Amwell, County of Hunterdon, State of New Jersey, that the following sums be transferred as follows:
From To
Municipal Clerk:
Salaries and wages $2,000.00
Solid Waste Collection:
Salaries and wages $ 500.00
Recreation Services & Projects
Salaries and wages $ 500.00
Street Lighting:
Other expenses $1,000.00
Total $2,000.00 $2,000.00
By Order of the Township Committee,
______________________________
C. Larry Tatsch, Mayor
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Motion by Mrs. Cregar, seconded by Ms. Lenox, and carried unanimously to approve the resolutions.
TAX COLLECTOR HYLAND - No resolutions offered at this meeting.
ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER DODD provided the October 2007 Monthly Report.
NJ STATE POLICE/KINGWOOD provided the confidential October 2007 Monthly Report.
CORRESPONDENCE
Ms. Lenox commented on the correspondence from the Hunterdon County Chamber of Commerce regarding tourism; she would like to have the governing body consider a resolution at a future time.
Mr. Spiegel commented on the South Branch Watershed Association letter on C1 classifications, noting that classifying streams will be an on-going process.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, motion by Mrs. Cregar, seconded by Ms. Lenox, and it was carried unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 8:50 p.m.
__________________________________
Teresa R. Stahl, RMC/CMC
Municipal Clerk