November 13, 2000 Minutes - Old Bridge, NJ · Complex. The meeting was called to order at 7:32 p.m. by President Maher. Oath of Office. An Oath of Office was administered to Richard

Old Bridge Township Council

Combined Meeting

November 13, 2000

A Combined Meeting of the Township Council of the Township of Old Bridge was held on November 13, 2000 in the MunicipalComplex. The meeting was called to order at 7:32 p.m. by President Maher.

Oath of Office.

An Oath of Office was administered to Richard J. Greene, Ward V Councilman, by Judge Richard Plechner for a term endingDecember 31, 2001.

Remarks:

Councilman Greene: I thank everyone who has supported me in this election. I campaigned hard, my goal being to knock on everydoor in Ward 5. Falling short of that, I intend to continue meeting the residents of Ward 5 in a few weeks. I also thank Pat(Piscitelli) and Anthony (Cutrone) for a well-run race, and I ask them to work with me through the next year.

President Maher invited all to participate in a salute to the flag which was followed by a short prayer.

Deputy Clerk, Stella Ward, announced that the meeting had been advertised in the Home News & Tribune pursuant to Section 5 ofthe Open Public Meetings Act and that the next open public meeting of the council will be held on November 20, 2000 at 8:00 p.m.

Roll call by Deputy Clerk Ward showed the following members present: Councilmen Butler, Greene, Hoff, Redmond, Sohor,Testino, Councilwoman Marinaccio, President Maher. Councilman Cucchiara was absent.

No. 571 Approval of Minutes.

RESOLUTION

BE IT RESOLVED by the Township Council of the Township of Old Bridge, County of Middlesex, New Jersey that:

the following minutes are hereby approved:

September 11, 2000 RegularOctober 2, 2000 AgendaOctober 10, 2000 Executive

Moved by Councilman Redmond, seconded by Councilman Hoff and so ordered on the following roll call vote:

AYES: Councilmen Butler, Greene, Hoff, Redmond, Sohor, Councilwoman Marinaccio, President Maher.

NAYS: None.

ABSENT: Councilman Cucchiara.

ABSTAIN: Councilman Testino.

No. 572 Bill List.

RESOLUTION


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 allexpenditures 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 November 13,2000 that there exists a detailed bill or voucher supporting each payment and there is indication that goods or services have beenreceived or rendered.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Township Council of the Township of Old Bridge that the bill listing of November13, 2000 as approved by the Business Administrator after preaudit and control by the Director of Finance and after review by theFinance Committee be spread on the minutes in the amount of $15,540,970.79 (Accounts Payable).

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

AYES: Councilmen Butler, Greene, Hoff, Redmond, Sohor, Testino, Councilwoman Marinaccio, President Maher.

NAYS: None.


No. 573 Bill List.

RESOLUTION





NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Township Council of the Township of Old Bridge that the bill listing of November13, 2000 as approved by the Business Administrator after preaudit and control by the Director of Finance and after review by theFinance Committee be spread on the minutes in the amount of $653,002.55 (Payroll).

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


NAYS: None.


No. 574 Bill List. Denied.

RESOLUTION





NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Township Council of the Township of Old Bridge that the bill listing of November13, 2000 as approved by the Business Administrator after preaudit and control by the Director of Finance and after review by theFinance Committee be spread on the minutes in the amount of $46,767.74 (Overtime)

Moved by Councilman Butler, seconded by Councilman Hoff and so denied on the following roll call vote:

AYES: Councilmen Butler, Redmond, Councilwoman Marinaccio.

NAYS: Councilmen Greene, Hoff, Sohor, Testino, President Maher.


Report of the Clerk.

MONTHLY REPORT OF COLLECTIONS OF ROSE-MARIE SARACINO, CLERK

The following represents the collections I have made during the month of October 2000:

DOGS:3149-3188 $349.00

CATS:456-462 $48.00#456 Replace #102 $.50

LICENSE:

USED CAR#273 Stream Motors $350.00

VENDING:

Snack - $5.00 each#99 -103 Raritan Bay Medical $25.00#104 U-Haul $5.00

Soda -$10.00#80-86 Raritan Bay Medical $70.00

Food - $10.00#9-10 Raritan Bay Medical $50.00

LIMOUSINENew Way Limo $70.00Zagalsky $35.00

$605.00

BINGO/RAFFLERA - 71-00 Add'l St. Ambrose Home School $40.00RA - 72-00 St Ambrose Combined Soc n/cBA - 73-00 Temple Ohav Shalom $90.00RA - 74-00 OB Education Foundation $10.00BA - 01-01 St. Thomas the Apostle $10.00RA - 02-01 St. Thomas the Apostle $10.00RA - 03-01 Catholic Daughters of America n/cRA - 04-01 Catholic Daughters of America $10.00BA - 05-01 Temple Beth Ohr $450.00RA - 06-01 Temple Beth Ohr $450.00

$1,070.00

SEARCH207 -211 $50.00

MISCELLANEOUS:Photocopies $19.25

Total: $2,141.75

Moved by Councilman Testino, seconded by Councilman Hoff and so ordered on the following roll call vote:


NAYS: None.


Report of the Attorney.

Attorney Ruggierio: Today I appeared at the Office of Administrative Law in connection with the Birch Hill appeal that concerns thecondition the council placed on the liquor license. I report to you that the judge indicated that by December 18, all parties shallhave in their hands stipulated facts. I have told you that although we have other remedies against this entity for the collection ofthe fire district fines, we have substantial legal problems from the prospective of my research and from the remarks of the judge inusing the liquor license as a means to collect those matters. You may be aware that this is close to final negotiation. I drew anagreement which provided for the payment of the fire district fines by the proposed lessee of some of the property owned by theBirch Hill group. Mr. Braslow intends to negotiate the final figures with respect to the interest rate to be paid. It is theirs and not thetownship's money that would be paid. Messrs. Heilbrunn and Braslow have been in discussions about that.

I have had meetings in connection with the Cheesequake Dam with administrative officials including Mayor Cannon andAdministrator Shepler to find a legal way to implement that which is the council's intention. I renew a former proposal (which wasviewed as the best course to follow) that the township, if it intends to pursue this course of expending money so that Mr. Shah canget a favorable opinion from me that it would be lawful to spend that money, undertake proceedings for the acquisition of the damand access to the lake that abuts the dam so that from the standpoint of the township, we have a real estate interest in theproperty. This would allow us to expend money. I ask the council for an endorsement to prepare an ordinance for the next meeting.

Councilman Hoff: I appreciate your attitude with respect to reparation. This council has passed a resolution to expend $35,000 tohelp match the state grant of $75,000. This was referred to the Attorney General's office for their approval as to whether or not wehave the right to do this. I am sure that in this time, you must have communicated with someone in the State Attorney General'soffice.

Attorney Ruggierio: I was not here for your vote, but I can you tell you absolutely that the Attorney General's office in Trenton isnot going to tell Old Bridge Township whether the expenditure that they propose to make is lawful or not. If you receive such anopinion, it would be an absolute surprise to me. I have not been in contact with the Attorney General's office, but you have allreceived copies of the letters I have written in the recent past to the Attorney General's office describing the circumstances. I havespoken to them not about the expenditures that Old Bridge would make, but rather about the expenditures that the state wouldmake. You (Mr. Hoff) and others on the council had asked me to communicate with the Attorney General's office and to ask themthat if they can expend money, why cannot we expend township money?

I am confident that Mr. Shah will not expend township money over a legal opinion that says that this is illegal. We can continue thisdebate for a long time or we can undertake steps to acquire the property at which time I could tell Mr. Shah that it was legal for usto spend money in connection with property that we own. If you have an expectation that the Attorney General's office is going totell Old Bridge Township that it is lawful for them to spend money out of their own treasury in connection with municipal purposes, Ithink you are wrong. There will not be such a letter from the Attorney General's office.

Councilman Hoff: It has been your opinion from the beginning that this is illegal. You have stated that we would never receivepermission to do that. Since that time we have received communication from the legislative judge who thought that this was inorder since it was done in other areas of the state. You challenged that because it differed from your opinion. We passed aresolution with a condition that your office would forward it to the Office of the Attorney General for his review. Did you get areview?

Attorney Ruggierio: There has never been a ruling by any judge concerning this matter. There was an opinion to Mr. Thompson athis request based on what I have pointed out that was misunderstood or erroneous information as to whether or not it would belawful for the governor to appropriate the $75,000 out of their contingency fund. If your question is limited to the question ofwhether I forwarded that to the Attorney General's Office, I showed you the most recent correspondence which was forwarded tothe Attorney General's office along with a request for an opinion concerning the state money which could be helpful or persuasivein this instance.

The council has made a serious decision to commit this money with no waiver concerning it. If you want to facilitate it, we shouldbegin now to acquire rights in the dam and the lake. If not, then we can continue to debate. My view is that this is the only lawfulway to accomplish this.

Councilman Hoff: We are only trying to help the residents of Old Bridge which is the feeling of the majority of the council, but yousay this is illegal. From the opinions cited various other times as the one handed down as ready by Sam Thompson was that thishas been done, and they have found that it is proper for the Township of Old Bridge to help people who need it. This is within therealm of our obligations. I recall that we passed a resolution three weeks ago with the asterisk that we would not spend moneyunless you received approval. People need help now. We want you to make recommendations that we asked you to make one yearago.

Attorney Ruggierio: There must be one hundred deserving causes in Old Bridge that would benefit from the expenditure of publicfunds. The question is whether it is legal to expend public funds that you are taking from the taxpayers and use for a purpose.There is a broad range of public purposes that can be used. You know what my advice is concerning that. If your question to me is"did I forward that information to the Attorney General's office?", yes, I did. If your expectation is that the Attorney General's officeis going to write to you and say that it is okay for Old Bridge Township to spend this money indicated in a resolution, thatexpectation is not reasonable because I know of no circumstances where the Attorney General's office would do anything otherthan to refer you to your municipal legal counsel concerning the legality of spending municipal money.

Councilman Hoff: I would be happy if he wrote this communication to you with a copy to council. If he says we cannot, please tellus in proper form, not verbally.

Attorney Ruggierio: I need a response from the council about my proposal to prepare an ordinance for the next meeting inconnection with the resolution of this contentious matter.

Councilman Redmond: Considering all that has happened with the dam, and it seems to be under the auspices of the DEP, whydon't we send a resolution to Commission Shinn?

Attorney Ruggierio: There is a proposed resolution on the agenda this evening.

Councilman Testino: Mr. Ruggierio's proposal is better suited for a discussion item later on in the meeting.

Motion

to accept the Report of the Attorney made by Councilman Butler, seconded by Councilman Redmond and so ordered on thefollowing roll call vote:


NAYS: None.


Preliminary Public Comment.

Mr. Seewald: I spoke to residents of West Virginia prior to the election. They had predictions that were 100% correct. They said thatBush would carry West Virginia - he did. They said that Senator Byrd was going to win by an overwhelming majority - he did. Thishas a lot to do with Old Bridge. (Distributes to council an article from Money Magazine contributed by the Harvard School ofBusiness.) Old Bridge ranks last in the amount of money coming in vs. the amount of money we send to Washington, D.C. IfSenator Byrd were your senator, you would get federal funds for the dam. Each year I watch us getting beaten and watch thesenate seats getting bought. Hillary said she would bring money to New York. If you want money, you need to get the senator andCongressman Pallone on the ball. We are going to continue to rank last in terms of money coming.

Ms. Clavering: A wheelchair bound resident of Laurence Harbor, Mr. Holden, called me to tell me that he had great difficultyentering the polling place in Laurence Harbor to cast his vote because of a large bar blocking the entrance. Several hours passedbefore a custodian arrived. Mr. Holden is worried about other residents with the same disability not being able to exercise their rightto vote.

Councilman Hoff: The custodian arrived within one hour. The poll worker did not know how to disassemble the door which is wheelchair accommodating. There is a center poll which has to be moved, and there were no cars blocking the entrance at the time. Hedid get the right to vote within forty-five minutes. There was a short hardship that was remedied very quickly. We apologize.

Ms. Clavering: Can the barrier be removed to allow easier accessibility?

Councilman Hoff: I don't believe that the divider should be removed permanently. The delay was only a matter of communication.The divider must remain to retain the integrity of the door jamb.

Proclamation.

Mayor Cannon presented a certificate to recognize Emergency Management Week in light of the fire which occurred at 100Ticetown Road and the amazing emergency services that were performed.

WHEREAS, township residents are well aware of the constant need for preparedness to handle the adverse impacts of all types ofhazards whether natural or manmade; and

WHEREAS, the Old Bridge Office of Emergency Management is responsible for coordinating the township's response to any majoremergency or disaster which includes requesting and coordinating assistance with the Federal Emergency Management Agency;and

WHEREAS, the Old Bridge Office of Emergency Management and its volunteers from its earliest days rendered invaluable andcourageous service to all citizens of this township; and

WHEREAS, these volunteers stand ready often under difficult circumstances and at great personal risk to protect the lives andproperty of their fellow citizens.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARBARA L. CANNON and the Township Council of the Township of Old Bridge hereby do proclaimNovember 13 to November 19, 2000 as Emergency Management Week and the Township of Old Bridge encourages all residents toexpress their appreciation to the Office of Emergency Management for their dedication and hard work.

Budget Presentation - Department Heads.

President Maher: I would like to introduce the budget on November 20. We have put together a schedule of November 13, 20 and27 wherein four department heads would spend ten to fifteen minutes each night us giving us a very high level overview of theirspending plans and some of their major initiatives. We have asked the department heads to write down their goals and objectives.

Ms. Shepler: I have all but a written one from the police department; however, we will have that by the next meeting. We have four(presentations) scheduled for the meeting of November 20. We have law, finance, administration and office of social services, and Ido have Tom's.

President Maher: We asked for those goals and objectives by November 9. We have ten to fifteen minutes for each of thedepartments.

Department of Public Safety.

President Maher: Tell us what the difference is between this and last year's budget paying specific attention to the recommendationthat we hire additional resources; major initiatives in terms of the Laurence Harbor beachfront; Cops in the Street; expanding theschool program. I would like to hear your specific goals and objectives. We look forward to seeing them in writing.

Chief Palumbo: Captain Cerra will do that. As you know, he prepares and manages our budget.

President Maher: At a very high level, tell us the difference between this and last year's budget.

Capt. Cerra: Under "Other Expenses" last year we expended approximately $446,848; this year we requested $564,700 - theMayor recommended $491,200. We have added expenses due to equipment that was bought. We purchased a new radio systemfor $2.5 million. This came with a two-year warranty. We now have to buy a warranty. The bid price was $115,000 per year tocover all that we own. I got them down to $62,175.81 which is 2.5% of what we would pay for the entire system. This does not onlycover our equipment, but covers fire and first aid also.

We have three warranties which have to be included in the new radio systems which add up to $23,000 which covers the DanKaiCorp, the QED and the Verizon. $7,000 is due to renew the warranty on Dictaphone machines. There are additional expenses thatwe did not have in the past.

With reference to the amount of personnel, we had requested an increase of one secretary and 12 additional police officers. Lastyear we had 86 officers, and you gave us enough for 96. We have 97 sworn police officers; 7 of them are in the academy and are"not realized" yet. Four more are in the schools. We operate with 86 officers. We want to get to 108 this year. We realize four inthe schools for three months out of the year. That gives us 104. We operate patrol with 44 men; we want 52. The detective bureauis operating with 8; we want 12. Traffic and Safety operates with 3; we want 8 so that we can go to split shifts to have themworking more . As requested last year, we need a plan with a minimum amount of men and add one, two or three per year andretain that number. We should plan for a goal and retain that goal. As the population increases, so do our calls. Last year weanswered 43,000; this year will be 45,000. There needs to be adequate support services also.

President Maher: What are some of the new programs you would like to implement or expand this year?

Chief Palumbo: Traffic and Safety needs to be expanded. The county has projected May 2001 as the opening of the beach front.That area will have to be staffed. We need to increase officers on all shifts. We cannot respond to non-emergency calls as weused to.

Capt. Cerra: The state has dozens of mandates with respect to reports. When an officer makes an arrest, he has to spend two tothree hours completing reports taking this police officer off the road.

President Maher: How much money is in the budget for 12 police officers?

Capt. Cerra: The Mayor approved 4. We had 96 last year, plus 4 equals 100. Under P-68 we originally asked for $250,000 forcars. We also discussed buying the boat with our of forfeiture funds, but we want to lower that to $200,000 because we want tobuy a Harley Davidson for Traffic and Safety. I am waiting from word from the prosecutor's office who has to approve allexpenditures out of that fund.

Councilman Testino: Has administration worked on the target and the retention number? You believe that 100 is the retentionnumber?

Mayor Cannon: That is financially where we are at now.

Councilman Testino: Capt. Cerra suggested a goal or striving to reach a goal. Have you worked with the Chief so that we can puta plan together to try to have that 100 retention?

Mayor Cannon: We need to do that based on population growth.

Councilman Testino: Let's have an answer prior to next week so that the council knows your direction. Have you evaluated thepolicing of the possible train station?

Capt. Cerra: No.

Chief Palumbo: I will direct Traffic and Safety to do a study. The roads in that area will never be able to handle the traffic.

Councilman Testino: If we go with that plan as proposed by the developer and/or the other forces, that would have to be calculatedin the long-range plan. What equipment did you not receive?

Capt. Cerra: These are warranties for equipment that we currently own. The recommendation was not made not to purchase thewarranties, but rather the cuts were made in a generalized tone to say let's cut here and there. This one warranty of $62,000 wassupposed to be $115, 000. I did not know about this until June, and my budget request was already submitted.

Ms. Shepler: We added $31,300 for the one half year for the $62,000 that you mentioned for the warranty. We discussed this atthe meeting.

Capt. Cerra: I was waiting for something from finance. The warranties need to be paid all at once.

Councilman Testino: You want to be sure that the money is there upon adoption of the budget. We will have that answer by thenext meeting. The other differences concern this item only?

Capt. Cerra: It was another $27,000 for the other warranties. One is due this month; one is due in April, June and another thismonth which was paid.

Councilman Testino: Tell me about the police vehicle rotation, and are you keeping motorcycles on the same rotation?

Capt. Cerra: After you have the cycles for two year, a trade in and purchase can be made for $600.00 each.

Councilman Redmond: Many councilmen vote "no" on overtime. Do you foresee a staffing such that we can eliminate overtime?

Capt. Cerra: The practice in the field nationwide is for every 1,000 there should be two police officers. I believe that we needbetween 120-130 cops. We operate with 86 officers, the same as last year. You have spent in the first nine pays $280,000 with aprojection of $800,000 assuming that the pays are staying where they are now. We should be reimbursed for the situation at 100Ticetown by the insurance company. There had to be five men at that location twenty-four hours a day. This year we will lose onethrough retirement.

Councilman Greene: Both Capt. Cerra and Chief Palumbo would like to see more manpower in Traffic and Safety. Speedingthrough the developments is a problem throughout the township. How would you use the additional officers in Traffic and Safety?

We need more police presence.

Chief Palumbo: We place someone in a location, move him and residents know that it will be another month before he returns.

Capt. Cerra: We have 400 miles of road, and only three officers to work the town. The more men you have to operate a specialdetail, the more areas you can cover. The other officers are answering calls all day. They don't have time to stop and do traffic.

Councilman Greene: I need this commitment before I could agree to more officers.

Chief Palumbo: The three officers average 300 summons per month which means they are in court much of the time. We hoped tohave by this time 25 officers on traffic and safety.

Councilman Greene: I have been told that there have been stops for seat belt inspections. It seems that speeding should be moreof a priority.

Capt. Cerra: A stipulation in a grant for which we applied is that we have to have seat belt stops advising drivers that they willreceive a summons.

Councilwoman Marinaccio: You have four additional officers? Are you looking for them to enter the academy in January? Thiswould be whole or half salary?

Capt. Cerra: Whole.

Councilwoman Marinaccio: The council could be able to put more officers in the academy in January and then address the salaryissue next year. Instead of the four, we could actually fund six or seven to go into the academy in January?

Capt. Cerra: I thought that you were referring to my numbers, not the Mayor's numbers. You only have what you spent last year.Her (the Mayor) request increases that by four for the whole year.

Mayor Cannon: The number is 100.

Councilwoman Marinaccio: If we wanted to have six enter the academy in January, half the year is gone. Could we support six inthe academy?

Capt. Cerra: No, we actually had 100 for two weeks. We are down to 97. Some of the extra four is spent. How much I don't know.

Councilwoman Marinaccio: If we were to get cuts in other areas, we could afford to put additional officers in the academy inJanuary, and address this for the following year. This is the council's decision on how many.

Councilman Butler: Is there any kind of equipment we can purchase to cut down on paperwork?

Capt. Cerra: We are having a program designed to print reports. The officer can do these reports on the computer. We have notfound the money. The officer purchases a lap top and plugs into our modem to print. They can type the reports in the cars.

Chief Palumbo: That may help, but the officer must still operate the functions of the call.

Councilman Butler: Do you need a grant writer?

Capt. Cerra: We are not aware of what is available, and having someone would be wonderful.

Councilwoman Marinaccio: If you were to get a body today to start the academy in January, when would that body be functional?

Chief Palumbo: October.

Councilwoman Marinaccio: If we wanted to increase Traffic and Safety by 2, it will be at least one year for any additions.

Chief Palumbo: We are in the position we are because when we hire, some retire.

Councilwoman Marinaccio: You are still one year away.

Capt. Cerra: The possibility exists where the council can say they would like to see some of the new guys who are getting out tohelp the Traffic and Safety. The Chief would have to decide.

Councilwoman Marinaccio. We were faced with the same problem with grants while I was on the school board. Through research,we determined that you can use candidates for degrees in those areas to intern to apply for the grants.

Capt. Cerra: With grants come stipulations.

Mayor Cannon: Alayne is looking into a grants persons for various functions of the township. This person would work incommission being paid out of the grants not costing the township any money. We have one individual who has been interviewed,and we are looking at others. We have been diligent in following up on police grants.

Public Works.

Mr. Donatelli: My road budget and buildings and ground is less than last year; recycle is more than last because of the new homesbeing built. Going through the budget much is the same as last year. I have sent a letter to Alayne about the goals for mydepartment. We are going to attempt to purchase another sweeper. We also want to mark the streets so that residents will knowwhen to expect the service. With respect to snow removal, the salt dome keeps the salt dry. We have 73 vehicles for which we areresponsible for maintenance - sanitation, office on aging, code enforcement, etc. White goods recycling constitutes about 60 stopsper week. We receive a $50,000 grant from Clean Communities which we use to clean the township roads. We have the prisonersfrom the county who come in and help us. We supply gas to the police department, MUA, Fire District 1, first aid and all municipalvehicles.

President Maher: Please elaborate on the prisoner program.

Mr. Donatelli: They clean up county and township outlying roads.

Councilman Hoff: Teenagers have been hired by the MUA for years for clean up work. There appears to be a conflict in the PublicWorks and the Recreation division with respect to this type of help.

Mr. Donatelli: Recreation uses summer help.

Councilman Hoff: He is not doing roads and ditches - no clean up. You have sent kids in to do a much better job. Recreationseems to chase kids away. You maintain all buildings in the complex. Why is the library considering purchasing a pressurewasher?

Mr. Donatelli: We do not do their maintenance. They have their own budget.

Mayor Cannon: They have their own maintenance staff. When we talked about bidding for a cleaning service, the library was goingto join with us. That fell apart. They hire their own.

We give them a budget; they are semi-autonomous. They show us how they are spending the money. They are regulated bystatute.

Ms. Shepler: Under state law we have to give them a certain percentage by mil. They always come to this council and ask forfunds above and beyond what is required by the state statute. They are a free public library governed under a different statute. Theemployees are unionized.

Councilman Hoff: What formula determines how much money they get?

Mr. Shah: That number is based on the assessed valuation.

Attorney Ruggierio: I believe the library building belongs to the Township of Old Bridge, but under the same statute, once custodyand control is given to the library, we essentially have no jurisdiction over this.

Councilman Hoff: I believe we have jurisdiction over the library, and we need to determine if it is our responsibility to maintain theexterior of the building. Is the police, road department or the health department different? If these are all a part of the municipalcomplex, so too is the library. I ask the attorney to show me differently. The maintenance of the exterior should be done by ourpublic works department. I don't believe they have a right to have a kingdom within a kingdom. I ask the attorney to explain to mewhy this body is autonomous.

Councilman Testino: I believe that the township council, if offering more, has the ability to negotiate on the budget.

Attorney Ruggierio: That is true if you are giving them more than . . .

Councilman Testino: We have jurisdiction over them and may ask them to do certain things the council would like done, i.e., namea building or use our public works department to maintain their exterior. Public works may have a charge back from the library.Perhaps we should have an interlocal agreement.

Councilman Butler: I compliment Mr. Donatelli and his staff for doing a tremendous volume of work. Prior to 1992 what was theemployee level in public works?

Mr. Donatelli: 39.

Councilman Butler: What is the employee count today?

Mr. Donatelli: 33.

Councilman Butler: Do you have a wish list?

Mr. Donatelli: I will request a new sweeper during the capital portion of the budget.

Ms. Shepler: At the League conference on Thursday morning, Mr. Donatelli will be honored by the NJ American Public WorksAssociation as Superintendent of the Year at a breakfast at 8:00 a.m.

Consent Agenda.

No. 575 Bingo/Raffle

RESOLUTION


WHEREAS, the following organizations have made application to hold, operate and conduct a Bingo/Raffle; said applications beingin 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 authorizedand directed to issue to the applicant the following licenses:

BA 05-01 Jewish Community Center of Madison Township (Beth Ohr)RA 06-01 Jewish Community Center of Madison Township (Beth Ohr)RA 07-01 St. Bernadette's Knights of ColumbusRA 08-01 St. Ambrose CombinedRA 09-01 Southwood School PTA

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


NAYS: None.


No. 576 Supporting communities for safer guns.

RESOLUTION


WHEREAS, the Township Council is aware of the gun violence which occurs in the country each year; and

WHEREAS, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has invited Old Bridge to join the Communities for SaferGuns Coalition; and

WHEREAS, the Coalition is aware that many of these tragedies could be prevented through reasonable distribution and designreforms on the part of responsible firearms' manufacturers; and

WHEREAS, the Coalition requests that the Township pledge to support using as a criteria in our firearms purchasing aconsideration of whether companies have agreed, at a minimum, to adhere to a new code of responsible conduct; and

WHEREAS, this code provides for safe gun designs and a distribution system that make it harder for guns to get into the hands ofcriminals and children; and

WHEREAS, this consideration will apply only to equipment that meets law enforcement needs and only to comparable equipmentavailable a comparable price.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Township Council of the Township of Old Bridge, County of Middlesex, State ofNew Jersey that Old Bridge supports the Communities for Safer Guns Coalition.



NAYS: None.


No. 577 Supporting Office of Environmental Services matching grant program.

RESOLUTION


WHEREAS, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection's Office of Business and External Affairs administers theEnvironmental Services Program (ESP), matching grants program to provide financial assistance for local environmental projects;and

WHEREAS, the statutory authority for the ESP is the Environmental Aid Act

(NJSA 13:H-1 et seq) which authorizes the DEP to issue local matching grants from $1,000.00 to $2,500.00 to EnvironmentalCommissions; and

WHEREAS, the Old Bridge Environmental Commission desires financial assistance for a Parcel Mapping Project for the TownCenter District integrating existing maps, open space data base, including the Greenway data; and

WHEREAS, the Old Bridge Environmental Commission requires a commitment from the Old Bridge Council to appropriate$2,500.00 in the 2001 Budget to match said funds being applied for to perform the necessary work pursuant to ESP guidelines; and

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Old Bridge Township Council supports said application and authorizes thesubmission of same to the NJDEP Environmental Services Program by the Old Bridge Environmental Commission to obtain saidgrant;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Township Council of the Township of Old Bridge authorizes Mayor and Clerk to endorsesuch application and Blanche D. Hoffman, Chairperson of the Old Bridge Environmental Commission to act as Old Bridge's agent inall matters pertaining to the application; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Old Bridge Council agrees to appropriate funds in the amount of $2,500.00 in the 2001budget to match those being created by the NJDEP and ESP, allowing the Old Bridge Environmental Commission to perform saidwork.


AYES: Councilmen Butler, Greene, Hoff, Redmond, Sohor, Testino,

Councilwoman Marinaccio, President Maher.

NAYS: None.


No. 578 Authorizing the relocation of a legal bus stop at Bushnell Road.

RESOLUTION


pursuant to NJSA Title 39:4-197 certain parts of roads, highways, described herein shall be and hereby are deleted as "No ParkingBus Stop" zones:

Along Rt. 516 westbound on the northerly side thereof at:

Bushnell Road - Near Side

Beginning at the easterly curb line of Bushnell Road and extending 105 feet easterly there from.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this resolution shall take effect upon approval of the Commission of Transportation as providedby law.



NAYS: None.


No. 579 Awarding professional services contract to SSI for consulting services for the police radio system not to exceed$4,500.00.

RESOLUTION


WHEREAS, the Township Council wishes to award a contract for consulting services with regard to the police radio system to SSIServices; and

WHEREAS, SSI Services is located at 826 North Lewis Road, Suite 3, Limerick, Pennsylvania 19468.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Township Council of the Township of Old Bridge, County of Middlesex, State ofNew Jersey, as follows:

1. SSI Services is hereby awarded a contract for consulting services with regard to police radio system in an amount not to exceed$4,500.00.

2. The award of the contingent upon the issuance of a Certification of Availability of Funds No. 933 certifying the existence of asufficient 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 thiscontract. The Township Attorney shall review any and all contractual documents prepared in furtherance of this award.

This resolution is conditioned upon the following:

A . Formal execution of a contract approved by the Director of Law which is signed by the Mayor and Township Clerk.

B. Issuance of a Certificate of Availability of Funds as aforesaid.

C. Compliance by the vendor with signing the mandatory affirmative action language required by law.

D. Compliance by the Vendor with filing of the Affirmative Action Form AA302 or AA201 or otherwise complying with affirmativeaction employee information reporting.

No contract shall be considered awarded unless and until the above requirements are executed.



NAYS: None.


No. 580 Authorizing memorandum of agreement between Old Bridge Public Works and Old Bridge Sanitation Union Local255, TCU, AFL-CIO.

RESOLUTION


BE IT RESOLVED by the Township Council of the Township of Old Bridge, County of Middlesex, State of New Jersey that theMemorandum of Agreement between the Township and the Old Bridge Public Works and Sanitation Union, Local 255, TCU, AFL-CIO be adopted; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a comprehensive collective bargaining agreement shall be prepared and adopted with theattached changes.



NAYS: None.


No. 581 Authorizing foreclosure on the Walko property.

RESOLUTION


WHEREAS, the Township of Old Bridge has acquired a certain tax sale certificate relating to Block 1003, Lot 40, on the tax map ofOld Bridge (Walko Property); and

WHEREAS, the Township Council wishes to authorize foreclosure In Rem pursuant to NJSA 54:5-104.35.


1. The tax list annexed to this resolution is hereby incorporated by reference.

2. The township attorney or special counsel appointed are authorized to foreclose the tax sale certificate listed on the annexed taxsale list pursuant to NJSA 54:5-104.35.



NAYS: None.


Township of Old Bridge Division of Tax Collection - Tax Foreclosure List - Calculated to September 30, 2000

No. 1 Current Owner: Walko

Location: 40 Delray Place Property Class: 2

Acreage: 25X80 Blk/Lt : 40/86182

Cert No.: 86182 Tax Sale Date: 12/29/86

Book/Page: 4985/825 Cert Am't: 18567.80

Subseq. Liens: 25,766.49 Amt. Redeem:44,334.29

Current Assessment: 63,000

No. 582 Requesting the DEP to reevaluate its position regarding the Cheesequake Dam.

RESOLUTION


WHEREAS, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection has informed the residents of Cheesequake Village thatcertain repairs must be made to the "Cheesequake Dam" pursuant to its authority under New Jersey State Law; and

WHEREAS, the residents of Cheesequake Village are primarily senior citizens living on fixed incomes, and

WHEREAS, the "Cheesequake Dam" is a privately owned homemade structure which no longer serves its intended purpose ofirrigation; and

WHEREAS, Township Council of Old Bridge believes that the residents of Cheesequake Village will be unduly burdened shouldthey be forced to bear the responsibility for repairing the "Cheesequake Dam"; and

WHEREAS, the Township Council of the Township of Old Bridge has heard testimony from numerous residents of CheesequakeVillage; and

WHEREAS, the Township Council of Old Bridge has expended great amount of time and effort to address the concerns of theresidents of Cheesequake Village and would like to facilitate a fair resolution of the "Cheesequake Dam" problem; and

WHEREAS, the Township Council of Old Bridge questions whether the repairs ordered by the DEP are necessary and whether anyintervention by the DEP with regard to the "Cheesequake Dam" is warranted at this time.

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Township Council of the Township of Old Bridge, County of Middlesex, State ofNew Jersey that the Township of Old Bridge requests the Department of Environmental Protection to reevaluate its position withregard to the "Cheesequake Dam" and assess whether the DEP's ordered repairs are truly necessary and whether any interventionby the DEP is warranted in light of all the facts which have been brought to the attention of the DEP; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Township Clerk send a copy of this resolution to the New Jersey Department ofEnvironmental Protection, Governor Christine Todd Whitman, US Senators Robert Torricelli and Frank Lautenberg, CongressmanFrank Pallone, State Senator Joseph M. Kyrillos, and Assemblymen Samuel Thompson and Joseph Azzolina.



NAYS: None.


No. 583 Authorizing increase in Contract 00-18 to Coffman Trees from $10,000 to $30,000.

RESOLUTION


WHEREAS, the Township of Old Bridge previously awarded Contract No. 00-18 to Coffman Tree Service for tree removal services;and

WHEREAS, the Township Council wishes to increase the contract for tree removal services to the Coffman Tree Service.


1. The Contract No. 00-18 previously awarded to Coffman Tree Services is hereby increased in the amount of $30,000.00

2. The award of the contract is contingent upon the issuance of a Certification of Availability of Funds No. 931 certifying theexistence 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 thiscontract. The Township attorney shall review any and all contractual documents prepared in furtherance of this award.


A. Formal execution of a contract approved by the Director of Law which is signed by the Mayor and Township Clerk.







NAYS: None.


No. 584 Awarding Contract No. 00-38 for arena games to Loco Amusements, Inc.

RESOLUTION


WHEREAS, the Township of Old Bridge advertised and received bids for Contract No. 00-38 for arena games for the Arena FamilyEntertainment Game Room; and

WHEREAS, bids were received and opened on September 20, 2000; and

WHEREAS, the Township Council wishes to award the contract for the arena games to the lowest responsible bidder; and

WHEREAS, the contract will be for a 50%/50% split on all games and a 40%/60% split on any product dispensing machine; and

WHEREAS, W. Thomas Badcock, Director of Parks and Recreation and Social Services has recommended that: a contract beawarded to Loco Amusements, Inc. located at 262 Arnold Avenue, Oceanport, New Jersey 07757 as they submitted the only bid.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Township Council of the Township of Old Bridge, County of Middlesex, State ofNew Jersey as follows:

1. Loco Amusements, Inc. is hereby awarded a contract with a 50%/50% split on all games and 40%/60% split on any productdispensing machines in accordance with the specifications advertised therefore.



a . Formal execution of a contract approved by the Director of Law which is signed by the Mayor and Township Clerk.







NAYS: None.


No. 585 Authorizing emergency temporary budget appropriation for FY 2001 - $35,000.00.

RESOLUTION


WHEREAS, there will be a delay in the adoption of the 2001 Township of Old Bridge, County of Middlesex, New Jersey LocalMunicipal 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 Jerseythat in accordance with NJSA 40A:4-20, an emergency temporary appropriation be and same is hereby made for in the amount of$35,000.00 and that: said emergency temporary appropriation shall be provided in full in the 2001 budget. (See attached)

Current Budget

Other expenses $35,000.00

Total $35,000.00



NAYS: None.


No. 586 Establishing schedule of Township Council meetings for 2001. TABLED

RESOLUTION


WHEREAS, the attached schedule of Township Council meetings for the year 2001 is hereby approved.

Moved to table by Councilman Hoff, seconded by Councilman Testino and so ordered on the following roll call vote:


NAYS: None.


Prior to the roll call vote to table the following discussion took place.

President Maher: The Clerk is suggesting that: our regular meeting scheduled for Monday, February 12, be moved to Tuesday,February 13 because of Lincoln's birthday.

Councilman Testino: I don't mind two meetings in July, but I suggest having one meeting in August.

Mayor Cannon: The Jewish holidays starts the 17th.

No. 587 Authorizing Old Bridge to enter into a Cooperative Purchasing Agreement for the purchase of energy. TABLED

RESOLUTION


WHEREAS, NJSA 40A:11-11(5) authorizes contracting units to enter into Cooperative Pricing Agreements; and

WHEREAS, the Electric Discount and Energy Act (NJSA 48:3-49, et al) and the Interim Government Energy Aggregation ProgramStandards adopted by the Board of Public Utilities permit local government units to join together for the purchase of electricgeneration service, gas supply service, electric related services and gas related services (hereinafter referred to as "Energy"); and

WHEREAS, the County of Middlesex (hereinafter referred to as the "Lead Agency") has offered voluntary participation in aCooperative Pricing System for the purchase of electric generation service; and

WHEREAS, the Township of Old Bridge, County of Middlesex, State of New Jersey desires to participate in the Middlesex CountyCooperative Pricing System for the purchase of electric energy.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Township Council of the Township of Old Bridge that:

TITLE

This resolution shall be known and may be cited as the Cooperative Pricing Resolution for Electric Energy for the Township of OldBridge.

AUTHORITY

Pursuant to the provisions of NJSA 40A:11-11(5) the Township of Old Bridge is hereby authorized to enter into a CooperativePricing Agreement with the Lead Agency.

CONTRACTING AGENCY

The Lead Agency shall be responsible for complying with the provisions of the Local Public Contracts Law (NJSA 40A:11-1 et al)and all other provisions of the revised statues of the State of New Jersey applicable to the Middlesex County Cooperative PricingSystem for the purchase of Energy.

EFFECTIVE DE

This resolution shall take effect immediately upon passage.

Moved to table by President Maher, seconded by Councilman Hoff and so ordered on the following roll call vote:


NAYS: None.


Prior to the roll call vote the following discussion took place.

President Maher: I have been in touch with the finance director, and I suggest this be tabled until we have more information.

No. 588 Authorizing return of earnest money re: Barsel property.

RESOLUTION


the release of bids that were received in connection with the sale of Block 17000, Lot 27.112 are hereby rejected. The TownshipCouncil exercises its right to reject all bids in favor of its decision to sell the property to the Old Bridge Township Housing Authority;and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Mayor and Finance Director are authorized to return the sum of $20,400.00 with interest tothe successful bidder.



NAYS: None.



Councilman Sohor: I have been researching what is required in acquiring this property, what the COAH and housing and urbandevelopment regulations, etc. I have follow up questions to questions that I asked and received answers to from the HousingAuthority when they were before us on the 16th. Does anyone here from the Housing Authority want to address these questions? Isuggest tabling this resolution and the resolution adopting the Agreement of Sale with the Housing Authority. The unresolvedquestions I have are the reasons a number of you used to vote in favor of selling this property.

Councilman Testino: I have been asked questions from Housing Authority members about the terms and conditions of the contract.I believed they were going to write to Mr. Ruggierio. I suggest that we have a caucus meeting with the Housing Authority and thetwo legal members so that we understand the contract. I have read what Mr. Ruggierio proposed believing it to be a good draft.What the Housing Authority proposed is a good draft. I don't believe that there is a meeting of the minds. I request a committee beappointed to answer Mr. Sohor's questions and to get these drafts in line with each other.

President Maher: We received a letter dated November 9 from Lane Miller, Housing Authority Attorney, wherein he suggestsforming a subcommittee consisting of council members and representatives of the Housing Authority. I recommend the appointmentof Messrs. Greene, Testino and Redmond to serve this committee.

Councilman Hoff: I move to table DR9 and DR10 until there is a resolution.

Subsequent to the roll call vote the following discussion took place.

Councilman Sohor: I request that the Clerk send a note to the Housing Authority inviting them to be present the council meetingnext Monday.

Councilman Testino: Why not get the answers beforehand? Can you put your questions in writing?

Councilman Sohor: This is follow up to the testimony that was given to us, and some of that was inaccurate.

President Maher: Mr. Greene, are you willing to serve on this committee?

Councilman Maher: Yes, and I thank you for appointing me. I intended to vote against this issue because previously I asked for anarrangement whereby we could sit down and work out the details. I felt as if I were being rushed.

Attorney Ruggierio: There is a legal issue of jurisdiction. Given the controversy that surrounds this, I don't believe that there will bea problem. I advised Mr. Miller after seeing his letter that under our form of government the Mayor negotiates contracts; the councilapproves contacts. That is a shared power. It is necessary for the council to make it clear to the Mayor what your point of view is.I suggest that your committee serves as a liaison to the Mayor, but the Mayor ultimately has to negotiate this.

I expected that by tonight's meeting there would have been an agreement to present to you. I hope that you believe that I actedpromptly to get an agreement drawn up to cover that the items mentioned previously. I suggest that the Housing Authority Attorneyget with the Mayor as soon as possible to tell us what problems they have with the draft of the agreement that I drew.

President Maher: I suggest that we have the council sub-committee meet with the Housing Authority sub-committee and presentthe facts to the Mayor and council next Monday.

Councilman Testino: There is no reason not to have the Mayor at the meeting.

President Maher: Mr. Ruggierio, you are invited to tend this meeting also. I looked the contract presented to the Housing Authoritywhich looked like it would take twenty-four months to negotiate it. There are many terms and conditions. This was a bullet proofcontract, but you would think that we were doing business with the Soviet Union.

Attorney Ruggierio: When I came to Old Bridge, there were still a number of pieces of property in the hands of private propertieswhere the objective of the council in conveying the property never occurred. All I tried to accomplish is bullet proof. There aredeadlines that exist, but if someone cannot comply, that can be buried. You need to be careful not to be too easy even though it isa sister agency within the municipal government. Whether it is a private developer or the Housing Authority, you have to hold theirfeet to the fire to get what you expect from them.

President Maher: Let's save the dialogue for the sub-committee meeting of the Housing Authority, the council, the Mayor and Mr.Ruggierio.

Mayor Cannon: I shall be the meeting.

No. 589 Adopting the Agreement of Sale with the Housing Authority re Barsel property. Tabled

RESOLUTION


that the attached Agreement for the Sale of Real Estate (Block 17000, Lot 27.12) is hereby adopted by the Township Council; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Mayor and Township Clerk are hereby authorized to execute the documents necessary toimplement this agreement. The Township attorney shall review any and all documents prepared in furtherance of this agreement.



NAYS: None.


No. 590 Awarding Contract No. 00-36 to Gallant Construction Co. for Civic Center renovation in the amount of $580,000.

RESOLUTION


WHEREAS, the Township of Old Bridge advertised and received bids for Contract No. 00-36 for the Civic Center basementrenovation; and

WHEREAS, bids were received and opened on October 18, 2000; and

WHEREAS, the Township Council wishes to award the contract for the Civic Center basement renovations to the lowestresponsible bidder; and

WHEREAS, W. Thomas Badcock the Director of Parks, Recreation and Social Services has recommended that a contract beawarded to Gallant Construction located at One Jocama Boulevard, Suite 1A, Old Bridge, New Jersey 08857 as they submitted thelowest responsible bid.


1. Gallant Construction is hereby awarded a contract for the Civic Center basement renovation in the amount of $580,000 inaccordance with the specifications advertised therefore.

2. The award of the contract is contingent upon the issuance of a Certification of Availability of Funds No. 932 certifying theexistence of a sufficient appropriation to fund the said contract.



A. Formal execution of a contract approved by the Director of Law which is signed by the Mayor and Township Clerk.





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

AYES: Councilmen Butler, Greene, Hoff, Redmond, Councilwoman Marinaccio, President Maher.

NAYS: Councilman Sohor.


ABSENT PODIUM: Councilman Testino.


Councilman Sohor: Do I recall objections to the award of this contract to this vendor?

Attorney Ruggierio: I have been given two assignments in connection with this. I resolved the first question in favor of the bidderindicating that it was appropriate to award this bid to this bidder. The second question was raised recently and had to do with thefact that this bidder did not bid on certain alternates. I am not in a position to give advice about that tonight. I thought that we

would review it before the contract was signed by the Mayor. The question that is being asked by the design engineer was that henoticed when he was going through the alternates, that two or three were not bid upon, but that on alternate No. 4 a price wasgiven. The question may come down to whether that is material because the alternates that were not bid upon are not work thatwe intend to award. This question requires me to dig into the public contracts law.

Councilman Sohor: I want to know what the alternates were that the engineers wanted included.

Attorney Ruggierio: Alternates are included in the bid because they hope that if there is enough competition, and the price ischeap, they will be able to include additional items into the cost. This did not apply in this case. They were only able to includealternate No. 4.

Councilman Redmond: The consultant quoted a number, but the bids came in over that. This is the lowest bid. If we delay this anylonger, we will have to rebid.

Attorney Ruggierio: It has been mentioned to me that many of these higher level builders are not bidding on municipal workbecause there is so much work out there, or when they do bid, they bid high.

President Maher: We have a letter from MJB Barone, the engineer who developed these specifications, advising us to award thecontract because Gallant Construction was the low bid. Barone is the design architect. We have a letter from Mr. Heims advising usto move forward.

Ms. Shepler: If you review the sheet that accompanied the documents, item No. 2 was for floor lighting; item No. 3 was for a gridface in the game room; and item No. 6 was for an automatic temperature control. Only one company bid on item No. 6, and thatwas an outrageous amount of money. With respect to the other two, two companies indicated that they might bid on them. Onewas with a deductible of $1,000, and the other was a $5,000 item. That is the clarification as to the items which are missing. Mr.Barone raised the legal question, but I believe that does not affect the bid, but that is up to the Attorney to advise me.

President Maher opened a public portion. Seeing no hands President Maher closed the public portion.

DR 16 Department Heads Salaries. (Becomes Ordinance for First Reading)

TOWNSHIP OF OLD BRIDGEORDINANCE No. 52-00

ORDINANCE FIXING COMPENSATION OF DEPARTMENT HEADS PURSUANT TO N.J.S.A. 40:69A-180 AND THE TOWNSHIPTAX ASSESSOR

WHEREAS, the Township Council is obliged to fix the compensation of Mayor, Council Members and Department Headsimmediately after its organization pursuant to NJSA 40:69A-180; and

WHEREAS, Township Council does, by adoption of this Ordinance wish to comply with the said statue.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Township Council of the Township of Old Bridge, County of Middlesex, State ofNew Jersey, as follows:

1. Compensation for Department Heads shall be fixed as follows (base salary subject to longevity):

Director of Department of Administration

......................................................................................$93,150.00Retroactive to July 1, 1999; See Note 1

Director of Department of Finance


Director of Department of Law

......................................................................................$84,397.00Retroactive to July 1, 1999;

Director of Department of Community Development


Director of Public Works


Director of Public Safety

......................................................................................$0.00See Note 1

Director of Parks, Recreation & Social Services


2. Additional compensation for Department Heads shall be as follows:

All health, prescription, vision, long-term disability insurances and other similar benefits afforded other full time employees of theTownship of Old Bridge, plus any benefits provided by Ordinance.

BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED that the Township Tax Assessor's salary, wages and compensation are fixed to be $78,870retroactive to July 1, 1999 (See Note 6). Additional compensation for the Township Tax Assessor shall be as follows: All health,prescription, vision, long-term disability insurances and other similar benefits afforded other full time employees of the Township ofOld Bridge, plus any benefits provided by Ordinance.

*Note 1. The current incumbent in this position holds the position of Director of Police. This Ordinance does not permit any personto collect dual salaries. Accordingly, the Business Administrator shall be paid only for one position or the other, but not both.

*Note 2. The current incumbent in this position also holds the office of Chief Financial Officer. This Ordinance does not permit anyperson to collect dual salaries. Accordingly, the Director of Finance may be paid only for one position or the other, but not both.

*Note 3. The current incumbent in this position also holds the office of Township Engineer. This Ordinance does not permit anyperson to collect dual salaries. Accordingly, the Director of Community Development may be paid only for one position or the other,but not both.

*Note 4. The current incumbent in this position also holds the office of Public Works Supervisor. This Ordinance does not permitany person to collect dual salaries. Accordingly, the Director of Public Works may be paid only for one position or the other, but notboth.

*Note 5. The incumbent in this office shall perform additional duties as follows:

(a) Assume a lead administrative role in all Township-Employee labor contract negotiations;

(b) Administer special projects as assigned by the Mayor and Business Administrator; and

(c) Serve as replacement for Business Administrator in her/his absence.

In 1998, this was adjusted beyond the standard percentage increase to compensate for such additional work. Inasmuch as$8,000.00 of this officer's salary constitutes a stipend for the aforesaid temporary duties, the $8,000.00 stipend may be withdrawnthe direction of the Mayor. Longevity shall not be payable with respect to $8,000.00 of the authorized salary.

*Note 6. In 1999, this salary was adjusted by $5,000.00 in specific consideration of the Tax Assessor's assignments outside hisrole as Tax Assessor, to wit: to assist the Mayor and Council in evaluating and analyzing real estate valuation issues in connectionwith Township acquisitions of property rights. Except as provided herein, the Tax Assessor may not be paid for additional positionswithin the Township government. Longevity shall not be payable with respect to the $5,000.00 stipend amount.

Moved by Councilman Hoff, seconded by Councilman Testino and so ordered on the following roll call vote:

AYES: Councilmen Butler, Greene, Hoff, Redmond, Sohor, Testino, President Maher.

NAYS: Councilwoman Marinaccio.



Councilman Hoff: What is the time frame for these salaries?

President Maher: We have been delaying the awarding of the {increase in} department head salaries for sometime now. I amlooking for a consensus to move forward the retroactive money that is due to the department heads in the amount of the 3.5%increase and defer the salary increases on a going forward basis until we adopt the Mayor's budget. This will be in alignment withthe contracts negotiated and signed with the various unions representing various employees.

Councilman Hoff: Prior to the budget being adopted, I want installed in the budget what the salary ranges are. I don't like some ofthe proposed increases for the years 2000 and 2001. When can we adjust our thinking on that before it is locked in?

President Maher: This is merely the retroactive increase that is due to the department heads. We will discuss anything else whenwe strike the budget.

Councilman Redmond: Are we voting on last year's increase?

Councilman Hoff: This is for the FY 1999-2000.

Ms. Shepler: I believe that this must be an ordinance.

Councilwoman Marinaccio: I cannot reconcile the numbers on the proposed ordinance with those in the budget book. I requestedfrom finance a breakdown of the current base salaries and the longevity. In each instance, I have a problem reconciling who ismaking what today and where we are going. For example, on the areas listed in the budget book, it is stated that a particular salaryis $64,600 with an increase of $8,700, bringing the base salary to $73,200. When I received the current base salary and thelongevity, it is not $64,600, it is $76.9 asking for $8,000 plus the longevity of the 3.8% bringing it to $88.7. That does not jive withthe ordinance numbers they are showing it as $87.6 going up to $91.2. I am referring to the Department of Parks and Recreation.The budget book shows the salary as $64,600 with an $8,700 increase bringing it to $73,200. Adding the longevity, it comes to$76,900. Then we are doing $76,900 plus $8,000 again, plus $3,800 again to come into $88,700.

Mr. Shah: The contract settlement and the ordinance will be different because department heads are working the last year's salarylevel. You need to sit down with me to discuss this.

Councilwoman Marinaccio: I would agree with you if everyone else had the same discrepancies, but I don't have that. I amspeaking about the difference between the budget book and the payroll sheets which show the base salary and the longevity. Ihave discrepancies in what their salaries are today versus the ordinance. I have three different sets of numbers. What are theygetting paid?

Mr. Shah: That is correct, and there is a difference because a salary may have changed during the year. There are a number ofissues, and that is why I suggest that you sit with me to discuss your concerns.

Councilwoman Marinaccio: You are asking us to vote on something that I am not sure of. I don't know if I am taking someone froma base of $64,000 and bringing them up to $91,000.

Mr. Shah: That figure is based on the 1994 salary. I have been trying to get council to understand our budget. It is complex.

Councilman Testino: Are you saying that we don't understand the budget process?

Councilwoman Marinaccio: This is the Year 2000 approved budget. The salary is listed as $64,000.

Mr. Shah: His salary has not changed.

Councilwoman Marinaccio: Why isn't everyone's salary 1998?

Ms. Shepler: The only one that would be different would be mine because I was hired a later date. You also have to deal with theallowances. The last ordinance you passed, you did an allowance for Mr. Badcock and an allowance for Mr. Enright. Thosenumbers would substantially alter the figure you are looking for.

Councilwoman Marinaccio: On the payroll as of today, it says $92,300. When I pick up the budget book, I start with $92,300, andthe increase will be $3,295. The next person - $84.6 is on the payroll sheet; the numbers match up in the budget book pluslongevity plus a $3,000 increase. As I go along I am matching everyone up except a few individuals on this ordinance that you areasking us to pass tonight. I agree with what the council is trying to do, but not when I have three different sets of numbers. Are thestipends being included with the 3.5%?

Ms. Shepler: No.

President Maher: Since I put this on, I will take a motion to table. Georgette, you sit down with Himanshu, sign off on this and bringit back to the council.

Motion

to table made by President Maher, seconded by Councilwoman Marinaccio and so denied on the following roll call vote:

AYES: Councilman Butler, Councilwoman Marinaccio, President Maher.

NAYS: Councilmen Greene, Hoff, Redmond, Sohor, Testino.


Motion

to approve the resolution specifying increases for department heads made by Councilman Hoff, seconded by Councilman Testino.No Vote Taken

Subsequently the following discussion took place.

Councilman Greene: This item was an add on. The ordinance which I have does cover several years. If we are voting tonight, itcovers a 3.5% increase for 1999 to 2000?

Ms. Shepler: ... retro to July 1, 1999.

Councilman Greene: 1999 to 2000?

Councilman Testino: That is what is proposed, and this would be first reading.

Councilman Greene: As a managerial employee, you deserve an increase comparable to those who work under you. The contractsettled recently gave the township employees 3.5%, and I am all in favor of that. You deserve that. I wanted to discuss this in lightof the budget, and since the increase is for one year, we can deliberate on the rest. I support this.

President Maher: The 3.5% increase that I proposed tonight, is this 3.5% on their normal salary and wages, and not on longevity?

Ms. Shepler: It is applied to the base salary, and longevity is added afterwards.

Councilman Testino: Do you want Mr. Ruggierio to read this, or go with the first reading as stated?

No. 591 Clerk's Salary.

RESOLUTION


WHEREAS, the Township Council is authorized to set the salaries of officers and employees of the Council (NJSA 40:609A-36(j));and

WHEREAS, the Township Clerk is the Township Council's employee; and

WHEREAS, the Township Council wishes to pay a salary increase of three and one-half (3 ½%) percent to the Township Clerkcovering July 1, 1999 to June 30, 2000; and

WHEREAS, the Township Clerk shall receive additional compensation as follows:

All health, prescription, vision, long-term disability insurances and other similar benefits afforded other full time employees of theTownship of Old Bridge, plus any benefits provided by Ordinance.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Township Council of the Township of Old Bridge, County of Middlesex, State ofNew Jersey, that the Township Clerk's salary is hereby increased by three and one-half (3 ½%) percent.



NAYS: None.



Councilwoman Marinaccio: I want to be sure that the same formulas that have been applied to department heads salaries beapplied to the Clerk's salary. I ask for an amendment.

President Maher: It is my understanding that we can do the Clerk's salary by resolution.

Ordinance for Second Reading.

TOWNSHIP OF OLD BRIDGEORDINANCE 48-00

AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE REPAIRING AND IMPROVING OF SIDEWALKS TO BE PERFORMED WHOLLY ATTHE COST OF THE OWNER

OF THE REAL ESTATE IN FROM OF SUCH SIDEWALKS PURSUANT TO N.J.S.A. 40:65-1 et. seq.

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

The Township of Old Bridge wishes to reconstruct and improve certain sidewalks hereinafter designed. The cost of this project shallbe wholly borne by the owner or owners of the real estate in front of which the improvement is made. Following completion of thereconstruction and improvement of the sidewalks authorized by this Ordinance, the proportionate cost of such sidewalk shall beassessed against the owner and shall become a municipal lien. This Ordinance also provides for the right to pay the assessmentsin installments over a ten (10) year period.

SECTION 2: RIGHT OF OWNER TO MAKE REQUIRED IMPROVEMENTS TO SIDEWALK AT OWN EXPENSE

Any owner of real estate listed in this Ordinance may undertake the installation, construction, reconstruction, or improvement ofsuch owner's sidewalk their own expense.

If such work is undertaken by an owner, it shall not be performed by the municipality or the municipality's contractor. The purposeof this Section is to give any owner the option to undertake and perform the sidewalk reconstruction work his, her or their expense.In the event an owner fails to reconstruct the sidewalk in front of their property on or before the 90th day following receipt of thisproposed Ordinance, the municipality shall carry out the work and assess the cost thereof.

SECTION 3: TOWNSHIP ENGINEER TO CERTIFY THE COST OF SIDEWALK IMPROVEMENT TO THE GOVERNING BODY

The Township Engineer is designed as the officer of the municipality in charge of the improvement. The Township Engineer shallkeep an accurate account of the cost of the improvement and shall certify those costs to the governing body of Old BridgeTownship in a report. The certification shall be substantially in the following form:

I hereby render a report on sidewalk construction and improvement performed under the authority of Ordinance #48-00. I herebycertify that the costs of the improvement as calculated in proportion to the respective frontage of each property is accurately setforth in this report.

The report shall be made under oath and shall be delivered to the Township Clerk of the Township of Old Bridge

Following receipt of the Engineer's report, if the governing body shall upon examination find that the report accurately reflects a fairapportionment of the assessment to each property owner in proportion to their frontage, the governing body shall confirm and filesuch report with the officer charged with collection of assessments. Such assessments shall thereafter become a lien against thereal estate to which it pertains.

Prior to confirming the report rendered by the Engineer, the governing body shall give notice to the Owner or owners named thereinof the time and place fixed for examination of the report and consideration by the governing body of the confirmation thereof

SECTION 4: ASSESSMENTS SHALL BE A LIEN: ASSESSMENTS SHALL BE COLLECTED IN INSTALLMENTS

Sidewalk assessments approved by the governing body as aforesaid shall bear interest from the time of confirmation at the samerate and with the same penalties for non-payment as assessments for local improvements in the municipality. Such assessmentsshall from the date of confirmation be a first and paramount lien upon the real estate assessed to the same extent and be collectedand enforced in the same manner as assessments for local improvements.

The payment and collection of such sidewalk assessments may be made in installments the option of the property owner. Suchinstallment shall be over a period of 10 years. If the property upon which a sidewalk assessment is imposed should be sold afterconfirmation of the assessment, the full amount of such assessment shall then become immediately due and payable at the time ofconveyance of the property.

SECTION 5: PROPERTIES TO BE ASSESSED FOR SIDEWALK RECONSTRUCTION

The list shall constitute the properties to receive sidewalk reconstruction and shall be assessed at the cost thereof in proportion totheir improved frontage. The said list shall be on file in the office of the Township Clerk

SECTION 6:

The Mayor, Township Clerk and Director of Law are hereby authorized to take any action and to sign any and all documentsnecessary to carry out this Ordinance.

SECTION 7: INCONSISTENT ORDINANCES

All Ordinances or parts of ordinances inconsistent with or in conflict with this ordinance are hereby repealed to the extent of suchinconsistency.

SECTION 8: PARTIAL INVALIDITY

If any section, paragraph, clause or provision of this ordinance shall be adjudged invalid, such adjudication shall apply only to thesection, paragraph, clause or provision so adjudged and the remainder shall be deemed valid and effective.

SECTION 9: EFFECTIVE

A. Except as set forth subparagraphs B and C hereof, this Ordinance shall take effect on the earlier of the following des: (1) on thedate the Mayor affixes his/her signature thereto and returns same to the Municipal Council by delivering it to the Municipal Clerkpursuant to NJSA 40A:69A-41 or (2) on the tenth day following presentment to the Mayor of the Ordinance pursuant toNJSA40:69A-41 applicable when the Mayor has filed to return the Ordinance; whichever occurs first.

B. If the Mayor vetoes the Ordinance (in the manner set forth NJSA40:69A-41), this Ordinance shall become effective upon theTownship 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 passageby the Council and approval by the Mayor, where such approval is required, unless the Council shall have also adopted aresolution declaring an emergency and least two-thirds (2/3) of all the members of the Council vote in favor of such resolution.

Moved by Councilman Redmond, seconded by Councilman Greene and so ordered on the following roll call vote:

AYES: Councilmen Greene, Hoff, Redmond, Sohor, Testino, Councilwoman Marinaccio, President Maher.

NAYS: None.


ABSENT PODIUM: Councilman Butler.


Township of Old BridgeOrdinance No. 50-00

ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER X, TRAFFIC, SCHEDULE XIII, TO DESIGNATE VARIOUS ROADWAYS IN FOXBOROUGHVILLAGE AS RESIDENTIAL PERMIT PARKING AREAS.

BE IT ORDAINED by the Township Council of the Township of Old Bridge, County of Middlesex, State of New Jersey, that:

SECTION 1: PURPOSE

The purpose of this ordinance is to designate the various roadways in Foxborough Village as residential permit parking areas toalleviate resident parking problems and promote safety.

SECTION 2: AMENDMENT

Chapter X, Traffic, Schedule XIII of the Code of the Township of Old Bridge is hereby amended to add the following:

Name of Street Side Location

Beacon Place Both Entire street excluding cul-de-sacs

Kentfield Road Both Entire street excluding cul-de-sacs

La Valencia Road Both Entire street excluding cul-de-sacs

Mariposa Place Both Entire street excluding cul-de-sacs

Schindler Road North Both Entire street excluding cul-de-sacs

Schindler Drive South Both Entire street excluding cul-de-sacs

Stoneridge Road Both Entire street excluding cul-de-sacs

Victorian Drive Both Entire street excluding cul-de-sacs

SECTION 3: INCONSISTENT ORDINANCES

All ordinances or parts of ordinances inconsistent with or in conflict with this ordinance are hereby repealed to the extent of suchinconsistency.

SECTION 4: PARTIAL INVALIDITY


SECTION 5: EFFECTIVE DATE

A. Except as set forth subparagraphs B and C hereof, this Ordinance shall take effect on the earlier of the following dates: (1) onthe date the Mayor affixes his/her signature thereto and returns same to the Municipal Council by delivering it to the MunicipalClerk pursuant to NJSA 40A:69A-41 or (2) on the tenth date following presentment to the Mayor of the Ordinance pursuant toNJSA 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 NJSA 40:69A-41), this Ordinance shall become effective upon theTownship 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 passageby the Council and approval by the Mayor, where such approval is required, unless the Council shall have also adopted aresolution declaring an emergency and least two thirds (2/3) of all the members of the council vote in favor of such resolution.

Moved by Councilman Hoff, seconded by Councilman Testino and so ordered on the following roll call vote:


NAYS: None.



Prior to the roll call vote President Maher opened a public portion. Seeing no hands President Maher closed the publicportion.


Township of Old BridgeOrdinance No. 51-00

ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE ACQUISITION OF BLOCK 16004, LOT 52LOCATED IN FOXBOROUGH VILLAGE TO THE TOWNSHIP OF OLD BRIDGE

WHEREAS, the Township of Old Bridge Planning Board required that a certain parcel of land known as Block 16004, Lot 52 on thetax map of the Township of Old Bridge was required to be conveyed to the Township of Old Bridge as part of the approval processfor the Foxborough Village development; and

WHEREAS, Local Land and Buildings Law, NJSA 40A:12-1 et seq, requires that the Township of Old Bridge must formallyauthorize the acquisition of this parcel of land by the Township in the form of an Ordinance; therefore

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

The purpose of this Ordinance is to formally authorize the acquisition of Block 16004, Lot 52 on the tax map of Old Bridge by theTownship of Old Bridge.

Section 2. Ordinance

The Township of Old Bridge hereby authorizes the acquisition of a parcel of property known as Block 16004, Lot 52 on the TaxMap of Old Bridge.

Section 3. Inconsistent Ordinances

All ordinances or parts of ordinances inconsistent with or in conflict with this ordinance are hereby repealed to the extent of suchinconsistency.

Section 4. Partial Invalidity


Section 5. Effective Date

A. Except as set forth subparagraphs B and C hereof, this Ordinance shall take effect on the earlier of the following dates: (1) onthe de the Mayor affixes his/her signature thereto and returns same to the Municipal Council by delivering it to the Municipal Clerkpursuant to NJSA 40A:69A-41 or (2) on the tenth day following presentment to the Mayor of the Ordinance pursuant to NJSA40A: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 NJSA 40A:69A-41), this Ordinance shall become effective upon theTownship 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 passageby the Council and approval by the Mayor, where such approval is required, unless the Council shall have also adopted aresolution 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 Testino, seconded by Councilman Hoff and so ordered on the following roll call vote:


NAYS: None.



Prior to the roll call vote President Maher opened a public portion. Seeing no hands President Maher closed the publicportion.

Discussion.

1. Fisher Brothers/Lowe's Project - credit for road improvements (held)

President Maher: There is a request to hold this until Mr. Iglesias returns.

Motion

to table made by Councilman Testino, seconded by Councilman Redmond and so ordered on the following roll call vote:


NAYS: None.



2. Reconsidering resolution supporting the consideration of a rail station in the Township of Old Bridge providing accessto the NJT North Jersey Coast Line.

Councilman Hoff: I asked the administration for the status of the widening of Matawan/Morristown Road. I asked for the status ofthose corrections of the Cliffwood/Laurence Harbor light. I asked for the outcome of the meetings that the administration had withAlfieri. There is construction upon us, but no one seems to know anything about it except the administration. The public needs toknow what has been planned. When we passed the resolution with respect to the rail station, I agreed with an asterisk. We had anaccess/egress to Rt. 35 instead of exiting to Matawan Road, and it had to be developed commercially. I asked Alayne, who saidshe would get back to me.

Mayor Cannon: With respect to the improvements to Cliffwood/Matawan Road, we have received the plans which are in theengineering office. They are in property acquisition, but have nothing more concrete. As soon as we have something more, we canbid the project. Widening from the parkway to the entrance by the 7/11. The light will be reconfigured.

Councilman Hoff: That building will employ 1000 plus those coming from the parkway and the shopping center will cause problemson the road there. We must determine if there will be access/egress to Rt. 35.

Mayor Cannon: That is why these improvements are being done. We have had no formal meetings with Alfieri although we knowthat there are several people who want space in his office park. There is a possibility of six buildings with separate access offLaurence Parkway. A hotel and conference center are planned amenities "down the road" and there would be direct access fromthe parkway and improvements to the area.

The train center would be an integral part of the development, i.e., a hotel, convention center not just in and of itself. The traincenter will improve the value of the property because it will at tract first class clients who have the ability to take a train directly towork. These improvements are being worked on, and has to be done in conjunction with the DOT, the parkway, and NJ Transit. He(Alfieri) has no clear timetable. He has hired an architect. They are putting together renderings.

Councilman Hoff: I saw a draft which showed the office building and a "possible" hotel. We cannot discharge on to Matawan Roadwest of the parkway. The property east of the parkway have streets with no sidewalks, and neighborhood Children walk to schoolevery day. I suggest access/egress from Industrial Way to discharge on to Rt. 35. Please keep us informed.

Mayor Cannon: This is moving in a positive direction, and if we receive any hard news, we shall share it.

Councilman Hoff: I submitted to the council a petition with about sixty names. During the month of August there were many poweroutages in the Knollcroft area. The MUA has had many outages also. There has to be something wrong with the power supply.

Ms. Shepler: I contacted GPU who has done a complete circuit review in the Boulevard East area. The last known outage wasOctober 27. GPU completed their work on November 6. I shall meet with Maryanne Lucarelli from GPU on Friday. She will bringme a complete report on what has been done in the Knollcroft and the Cliffwood Beach section and an outline for them to look theirold existing lines. There are a number of older structures. There will be a tree trimming program. I will share the report on Friday.

Reports

1. Cliffwood/Laurence Parkway Light

Discussed under D-1.

2. Alfieri Property


3. Widening Matawan Road/Morristown Road.


4. Procedures for evacuation of senior rotary and all garden apartment complexes and training of all maintenance people.

Councilwoman Marinaccio: The emergency services handled the fire the Rotary Housing remarkably well. I make a suggestion thatthe emergency services now speak to the seniors regarding how the situation was handled, i.e., what problems occurred, and howbetter to handle them. I would appreciate the Mayor trying to accomplish this.

Mayor Cannon: Emergency Management is looking to work with the fire and police departments in reviewing the evacuation plansfor the Rotary, Birchwood and the nursing homes we have in town.

Councilwoman Marinaccio: The Rotary building did well under the circumstances.

5. Queen Yacenda Property.

Councilman Sohor: We have received the engineer's report on the Queen Yacenda property indicating the wetlands and transitionareas. There is very little wetlands and is usable for the recreation plans for that property. I propose that we put forward aresolution naming this property in the memory of Peter A. Mannino. When I last brought this forward, there were objectionsbecause there were questions about how much of that land is usable. We are waiting for the LOI on that property to confirm theengineer's reports. Now is the time to move forward and honor our late colleague.

Councilman Testino: The entire front (access to Rt. 516) is wetlands. We would need a wetlands disturbance permit which couldtake two to three years.

Mayor Cannon: There is a minimal amount of wetlands that needs to be crossed. We have spoken about another way of realigningthe road.

Attorney Ruggierio: Tom Badcock has a method of access into that property. We have spoken about the potential trading ofproperty that could provide access in a meaningful way. I don't want to be specific in public.

Councilman Sohor: I would like a resolution to that effect the next meeting.

President Maher: I agree that we should be doing something to honor Peter Mannino, but I have reservations. I don't know exactlywhat we have here. I also have reservations about what it will cost to develop this property. I have heard a figure of up to $20

million. I believe that we are putting the cart before the horse not knowing if we have a viable or durable park. I want to hear morefrom Mr. Badcock.

Mayor Cannon: Mr. Badcock is waiting for the LOI. The preliminary wetlands delineation shows over 100 acres of contiguousupland which makes it ideal for a multi-use park, but this needs to be confirmed by the DEP. Once we receive the LOI we havethe money allocated to do a conceptual master plan. Then there can be projections as to build out and costs. I believe that havingthat amount of usable property is something the township should be thrilled with. We have to consider the cost, but we will beapplying for Green Acres grants, etc.

Councilman Sohor: The property is well located, and we need additional recreational facilities.

Councilman Testino: You have more information than we do.

Mayor Cannon: You have as much information as we do. This was Pete's from day one and something that he nurtured and spenta lot of time working on.

Councilman Testino: The delineation was not shared until we requested it, and that was when I found out that the wetlands wentacross our access to Rt. 516.

Mayor Cannon: That is a minimal problem, and we will share the way to solve it.

Councilman Testino: I don't consider that a "minimal problem" when you have to get a wetlands disturbance permit.

Mayor Cannon: According to some, you could sink a battleship in the area; therefore, I think some of your concerns are overstatedalso.

Councilman Testino: Last time I tried to obtain one of those (permits), it took two to three years.

President Maher: Are we putting the cart before the horse? This project is the right thing to do, but it may be twenty-four to thirty-six months before we can obtain approval on this, there are a lot of things that can happen in that time. That area is a forest.Engineers have said that a lot of trees have to be taken down, and that will cost a lot of money. It is not an ideal location for a parkor playing field. Let's wait to hear from Mr. Badcock.

Councilman Greene: Mr. Mannino spent a lot of his energy working on this proposal. The township owns this property, and wefound out that there are one hundred contiguous usable acres. I am taken aback with these negative comments. This could be amajor plus for the township as well as the sports teams. This could be an area where the residents can go without a permit tothrow a ball with their children or grandchildren. We need this in town, and I believe that we should move as fast as we can todevelop this.

President Maher: This could cost $20 million to do, and we have the Rose Farm which is an ideal location for a park. The moneywould be well spent on the Rose Farm vs cutting down a forest.

Councilman Testino: Let's wait for Tom Badcock's report.

Councilman Greene: I don't agree with that proposal. I believe we have better use for the Rose Farm. I would love to see a golfcourse in that area, a facility which would generate this township $1 million per year to be used for other purposes.

6. Woodland Trails Acquisition (update on negotiation).

Councilman Sohor: We will discuss the ordinance next week. I shall put this off until then.

7. Rt. 9 and Phillips Drive - installation of an additional four ton limit sign.

Councilman Testino: The homeowners suggested that a sign be erected across from the gas station so that the trucks don't exit onto Phillips Drive. I understand that there is a sign along the roadway. The problem is that the diesel pumps are behind the gasstation, and the trucks come around to the back and some swing out on to Phillips Drive. I have asked that the administration and

Traffic and Safety determine if we can post across from the gas station's curb cut the fact that there are no trucks allowed on thatroad. By the time they make the "swing", they are stuck on that road, and/or have the station owner post a sign stating that theyshould be exiting on to the highway not on Phillips Drive.

President Maher: I spoke to the homeowners association chairperson who sent me a letter which I have just distributed. Mr. Testinois correct in that there is a sign on the road stating a "four ton limit". Traffic and Safety has been sitting on the road. When thesquad car leaves, the trucks continue to exit on to Phillips Drive. They are suggesting the same solution as we did Stratford Arms.We had a problem that the trucks were exiting the gas station into Stratford Arms until a permanent fence was erected. The gastrucks have to exit on to Rt. 9. The homeowners association suggests that we get the gas station to erect a temporary fence notallowing cars to enter Phillips Drive from the gas station. I have brought it to their attention that the residents of the Arbors will notbe allowed to enter the gas station from Phillips Drive. They are aware, but feel that the advantages far outweigh thedisadvantages.

Mayor Cannon: This is before the Board of Adjustment. They want a variance to expand the use of the station to include a minimart. Before we go ahead and have them fence the area off, there are concerns raised by the planning department and perhapseven by the police department making that a no access situation. More people would be forced on to Rt. 9, and this could solveone problem while creating others. Everyone agrees with respect to the trucks, but automobile traffic has to be considered.

President Maher: I shall put this on our next agenda.

Set Date

1. Deer Run Estates - Block 11252.11, Lots 59-85 - Release/Reduction Performance Guarantee - Suggested Date: January,2001.

President Maher: The clerk will let us know the exact date.

2. Artisan Construction, Inc. - Release/Reduction Performance Guarantee - Suggested Date: January, 2001.

No Discussion

Public comments on any subject matter.

Mr. Galante: Expressed his concerns about the politicizing of the senior housing project and suggested that if any one of thecouncil members has a question that he/she should contact the appropriate person in the Authority. Suggests that the next meetingwith the Housing Authority be televised.

Councilman Sohor: I make it a formal request to Channel 70 to have this televised.

Mr. Cutrone: Congratulated Mr. Greene on winning the Ward V council seat. Suggested that you include a brief description of theordinances on the agendas. Requested that all council members sit upright in their chairs when they speak.

Ms. Panos: Advised council that Central Avenue has never been paved. Asked about fallen leaves being collected in a truck.Zoning on a portion of Matchaponix Road is being changed from R 2- to R 30.

Mayor Cannon: Mr. Sheehan is working on the zoning. He asked for an interpretation from Mr. Norman, who said the zoning is notchanging. I will try to give you assurance that this is staying status quo.

Mr. Pagnotta: Questioned if Texas Road is going to be widened and if the surveillance cameras have been installed Veterans Park.Asked why Old Bridge needed a light Rt. 516 and Sherwood Lane when there was not a game being played.

Ms. Shepler: We have to have the project completed prior to June 30, 2001.

President Maher: I would like a report on the surveillance cameras on Monday. With respect to the light Sherwood, we need tofollow up with the county.

No. 592 Executive Session. (10:20 p.m.)

RESOLUTION


the public be excluded from this meeting pursuant to NJSA 10:4-13 for the discussion of the following matter or matters:

Cottrell Road Property Update

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this meeting shall reconvene in public session in fifteen (15) minutes and that the minutes orother record of these discussions shall be available to be disclosed to the public in sixty (60) months unless a sooner date isdetermined by vote of the governing body a public session.


AYES: Councilmen Butler, Greene, Redmond, Sohor, Testino, Councilwoman Marinaccio, President Maher.

NAYS: None.


ABSENT PODIUM: Councilman Hoff.

Motion

to adjourn 10:38 made by Councilman Sohor, seconded by Councilman Greene and so ordered on the following roll call vote:


NAYS: None.


Dennis M. Maher, President

Rose-Marie Saracino, Township Clerk

pg

Distributed:

November 13, 2000 Minutes - Old Bridge, NJ · Complex. The meeting was called to order at 7:32 p.m. by President Maher. Oath of Office. An Oath of Office was administered to Richard

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