MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEETING

BOROUGH OF WANAQUE

 

MINUTES

 

Work Meeting

October 6, 2008

 

A Work Meeting of the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Wanaque was held on Monday, October 6, 2008, at 7:00 P.M. in the Wanaque Municipal Building.

 

The Mayor called the meeting to order.

 

            On roll call, the following Council Members responded: Balunis, Cisco, O’Connell, Pasquariello, and Theoharous.  The Mayor declared a quorum.  The Borough Attorney and Borough Engineer were present. 

 

The Mayor read the following Sunshine Statement: This is a Work Meeting of the Mayor and Council and adequate notice thereof has been given by advertising the dates, time and place of the Regular meetings in the Suburban Trends and the Herald News newspapers and was e-mailed to these papers on January 2, 2008, and a notice thereof has been posted on January 2, 2008 on the bulletin board in the Wanaque Municipal Building, 579 Ringwood Avenue, Wanaque, New Jersey and a copy thereof has been on file in the office of the Municipal Clerk.

 

            Councilman Pettet arrived at 7:03 P.M.

 

            The Borough Administrator introduced Glen Keenes, partner with Weiner Lesniak on behalf of George Capodagli.

            Glen Keenes spoke about the project on Fourth Avenue.  Non-age restricted asked it to be.  One hundred seventeen units.  Amend the Ordinance to continue moving the project.

            Joe Gurkawicz, Professional Planner, State of New Jersey spoke about the original plans for three and four story townhouses and condos and changing it to two stories.

            The Mayor spoke about the parking issue.

            Joe Gurkawicz said it would be the same 2.3 per unit of parking.

            The Borough Administrator said introduce an Ordinance to amend zoning and redevelopment.  The zoning on the original plan is one hundred fourteen units could change it to one hundred seventeen units some of them COAH units.  The Ordinance would either be November or January to introduce.

            The Mayor spoke about the timing on the project.

            Glen Keenes said have the Ordinance for the November meeting.

            The Borough Administrator said the price points are three hundred thousand dollars for the townhouse, two hundred forty thousand dollars for the condos and seventy thousand dollars for the COAH units.  Move forward with the Ordinance for the next meeting.  The sewer would be the same as in their agreement.  Ordinance #21-0-08 remove.

 

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

 

   Councilman Balunis:

 

            Councilman Balunis reported the Wanaque School grammar school traffic study drop plans.  Traffic study is on the website.  Addice Park is getting the sod put down next week.  They are almost finished.  The library resumed regular hours.  On Thursday, the 19th from 1:00 P.M. to 3:00 P.M. Congressman Garretts office will be at the library for any one needing assistance.  November 13th is a presentation at Lakeland High School for the hero and survivor.

 

   Councilwoman Cisco:

 

            Councilwoman Cisco reported the Board of Adjustment had a ten minute meeting.  The Local Assistance members are meeting and they are dedicated to the board.

 

   Councilman O’Connell:

 

            Councilman O’Connell reported the numbers for the building committee meeting soon.  The leaf machine to be out in the next week or so.

 

   Councilman Pasquariello:

 

            Councilman Pasquariello reported the police are doing well.  The bids for the first aid squad’s new ambulance will get and submit soon.

 

   Councilman Pettet:

 

            Councilman Pettet reported Lakeland High School on October 23rd had their shared service meeting for regionalization.

 

   Councilman Theoharous:

 

            Councilman Theoharous reported the firemen had an open house over the weekend which was well attended.  The bids for the firehouse were opened and accepted and the work should begin soon.

 

MINUTES:

 

Regular Meeting of September 8, 2008  -  Held.

Special Meeting of September 29, 2008.

 

ORDINANCES:

 

   Public Hearing of Ord. #2-0-08:

     Re:  Dissolution of Wanaque Valley Regional Sewerage Authority

 

   Public Hearing of Ord. #8-0-08:

     Re:  Bond Ordinance – Purchase of US Aluminum Property

 

   Introduction of Ord. #21-0-08:

     Re:  Amend Chapter 108, Vehicles and Traffic Section 108-6.2 Municipal

             Parking Lot Municipal Parking Area

 

            PUBLIC DISCUSSION:

 

            The Mayor opened the Public Discussion.

 

John Maiello, 26 Rhinesmith Avenue, Wanaque spoke about a traffic study should be done for the area by the candle factory property.  Should look at taking them off the pilot program.  Not over fifty five age and help the taxpayers lowering the taxes.  Should look at that closely.

 

Joe Pavantro, said what is the PCS Haskell Cell Tank Tower, what is the status.

The Borough Administrator said it’s on to approve at the regular meeting.

 

Glen Conklin, 118 Greenwood Avenue spoke about meeting with Scott Johnson, mosquito commission about removing trees and should talk to the town about any rubbish.  The pipe is at the lowest point where the mosquito commission looked.  Second Avenue the storm darin is covered with weeds.  Water is higher than at the point.  Lowering down into the drain.

The Borough Administrator said Hannibal Place to Adams Street are possibly dry wells.

Glen Conklin said do anything into looking into permits.

The Mayor said look into dredging the creek and cleaning out the creek.

Glen Conklin said it’s only getting worse.  First Avenue where the Borough trucks are stored the fence goes across the brook and backs the water up.  Should look into it.

 

John Maiello, 26 Rhinesmith Avenue, Wanaque spoke about Mr. Falciglia builds and sells properties.  Will the taxes go up again and is the pilot program six hundred thousand dollars a year.

The Borough Administrator said it goes up based on the lieu of taxes based on the prior approvals approximately six thousand dollars.  Amount of taxes to be raised in taxes is based on the year.

John Maiello said you can remove the pilot program right.

The Mayor said the town gets twenty three percent of the six hundred thousand dollars.

John Maiello said they can be paying more.  School tax goes up and the County tax goes up.

The Mayor said assesses property and that.

 

Timothy King, 31 Evergreen Avenue, Haskell thanked Councilman Pettet for coming out and being concerned about the flooding.  Looking into DEP permits.

Councilman Pettet said made up to go ahead with the street that needs to be done.  Moving ahead to see what can be done.  Worthy opinion of study more than we thought.

Timothy King said has the town determined who owns 35 Evergreen Avenue.

The Borough Administrator said there is a tax lien the DPW maybe can put some dirt in there.

 

Sandy Lawson, 28 Haskell Avenue, Haskell the stormwater management plan filed a couple of years ago update the current plan with that update from the older one.  Reference in new stormwater management plan and look into grant money.

 

Christine Meakem, 215 Meadowbrook Avenue, Wanaque said why are you trying to purchase US Aluminum for the municipal building.

The Mayor said we will probably not take title to it.

Christine Meakem said what if it comes back contaminated.

The Borough Administrator said the property has to be cleaned up to a standard.  The process as we are doing it right now.

Christine Meakem said will you bond for 2.4 million dollars.

The Borough Administrator said not now for the money.

Christine Meakem said we should not get stuck with it.  The candle factory should pay for the new municipal building.  Cost analysis revenue should see it on paper and money should offset the debt.

The Mayor said there are several options we have.

The Borough Administrator said the architect should have the report in two to three months.

Christine Meakem said regarding Addice Park the sixteen thousand dollars who pays should be fifty.

The Borough Administrator said Lakeland High School is using the water and pay for half.

Christine Meakem said are you doing anything to cut costs.

The Borough Administrator said we’re working on it.

Christine Meakem said please consider the taxpayers.

 

Sandy Lawson, 28 Haskell Avenue, Haskell said regarding the candle factory is it age restricted or not.  There are one hundred seventeen units and it is to go back to the planning board for non age restricted.  The pilot program of six hundred thousand dollars is twenty three percent what is the total amount.

The Mayor said ninety five percent of six hundred thousand dollars.

Sandy Lawson said the County and schools get nothing.

The Borough Administrator said it’s per pupil.  The numbers are the same as three years ago.

Sandy Lawson said the numbers should be able to rattle off.  Have to go back to the planning board.

The Mayor said the consultant figures out the number.

 

Bonnie Davis, 14 Second Avenue, Haskell said did you contact Arrow Group regarding the flooding.

The Mayor said a letter went out to Arrow Group to see if they can redirect the water.

The Borough Administrator said they have gotten approvals from the Board of Adjustment.

Councilman Balunis said noticed they are getting more water and flooding.

 

Dave DaSilva, 108 Monroe Street, Haskell said regarding Arrow Group we are waiting for a response for water shooting into the street and the leaders are draining into the stairwell.  There are things the Borough can do, possibly grading on Second Avenue.  The storm drains are higher and would help the people out on Evergreen Avenue with flooding.  Storm grates are in the neighborhood.  The water is high all the time.  Should look for a long term plan to redirect the water. 

The Borough Administrator said the Engineers plan to look at that.

Dave DaSilva said the road from Doty Road to Ringwood Avenue across Second Avenue there is no where for the water to go.  I’ve seen the pipe and should get the system functioning more properly.

The Borough Engineer said the area is too flat.  There is a big permit process to go through.  Nothing to do now to go through to resolve it.

Dave DaSilva said there is standing water and there are mosquitos all over.  Try to get the issue under control.

The Borough Administrator said the sediment builds up and there is limited manpower and time.  Reconstruct Whistler Place and storm drains would cost approximately three million dollars for a mile which is a significant cost.     

 

            Bonnie Davis, 14 Second Avenue, Haskell said the cost to do new work and other houses.  It was one hundred thousand dollars cost to re-do the house.

            The Borough Engineer said the cost is to do the area.

 

            Dave DaSilva, 108 Monroe Street, Haskell said it’s the Borough’s responsibility to address in the stormwater management plan.

            The Borough Engineer said the Borough but it falls to the homeowner.

            Dave DaSilva said it is the responsibility of the Borough to deal with this.  With regard to Evergreen Avenue appreciate the movement.  The plan for Evergreen Avenue should be a professional or the Borough to take care of.

            Councilman Pettet said the Council does take this seriously.  The opinion that we take steps necessary to be done in the budget process.

            Dave DaSilva said don’t want to give people false hope.

            Councilman Pettet said address people to take a position to seek a solution on the situation.

            Councilman Balunis said if US Aluminum is developed possibly a detention basin could be built and take water away.  It may be an option.

            Dave DaSilva said to put a detention basin was brought to the Board of Adjustment.  The pipes and drain inlet is higher.

           

Cheryl Davis, 14 Second Avenue, Haskell said would like to reiteriate that we have lived at the property for thirty years.  This situation started ten years ago and got worse.  Something is not working.  Something is wrong and needs to be fixed.

 

Grace Maiello, 26 Rhinesmith Avenue, Wanaque said at the October 26th planning board meeting there was a municipal map with lots and blocks on an easel.  Can we pick up the map and information.

The Borough Administrator said yes.

 

Paul Ferrantino, 8323 Warren’s Way, Wanaque spoke about the program for manual labor to clean out the brook and helped out with other things.  They have skilled people doing the labor.

 

John Maiello, 26 Rhinesmith Avenue, Wanaque said the pilot program where would the other four hundred eighty thousand dollars go.

The Mayor said twenty percent to the County and twenty percent to the town.

 

The Mayor closed Public Discussion and said we’ll take a ten minute break.

                                                                                             

CONSENT AGENDA:

                          

    Three (3) Applications for Raffles Licenses:

      Re: Ringwood - Wanaque Ice Hockey Association - RA:698, RA:699 and RA:700

 

   Resolution #149-0-08:

     Re:  Refund of overpayment of Taxes for the Years 2006 and 2007 in the amount of

             $43,720.94 from New Jersey State Tax Court decision

 

   Resolution #150-0-08:

     Re:  Refund of overpayments on various properties from the Homestead Rebate in

             the amount of $3,793.16

 

   Resolution #151-0-08:

     Re:  Refund of overpayments on various properties as a result of County Tax Board

             Judgments in the amount of $1,211.50

           

REGULAR REPORTS - PROFESSIONAL REPORTS:

 

   Engineer:

 

   Administrator:

 

   Attorney:

           

COMMUNICATIONS:  None.

           

NEW BUSINESS:

 

   Refund to PSE&G for Permit #08-251 in the amount of $155.00 for 477 Ringwood

   Avenue:

   Closed Session:

     Re:  Litigation/Negotiation/Personnel

 

    Application for Soil Removal Permit – 23 Reservoir Drive, Wanaque:

 

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

 

  Wanaque Valley Regional Sewerage Authority Status:

 

   Advertising on the Haskell Water Tank:

 

   Status of US Aluminum Investigation:

 

   Haskell Firehouse Status:

 

   Evergreen Avenue Drainage:

 

   Norman Court Drainage:

 

RESOLUTIONS:

 

   Resolution #152-0-08:

     Re:  Chapter 159 – Highlands Council Grant - $15,000.00

 

   Resolution #153-0-08:

     Re:  Chapter 159 – Recycling Tonnage Grant - $3,626.68

 

   Resolution #154-0-08:

     Re:  Chapter 159 – Clean Communities Grant - $10,084.10

            

   Resolution #155-0-08:

     Re:  Lake Washington Dam Repairs – Change Order No. 4 in the amount of

            $67,460.86 to Ritacco Construction, Inc.

 

   Resolution #156-0-08:

     Re:  Addice Park – Change Order

 

   Resolution #157-0-08:

     Re:  Halloween Curfew

 

   Resolution #158-0-08:

     Re:  Memorializing Hearing and Suspension of License – 815 Ringwood Avenue

             Realty, LLC

 

   Resolution #159-0-08:

     Re:  2007 Audit

 

   Resolution #160-0-08:

     Re:  Appoint Water Treatment Plant Operator

 

   Resolution #161-0-08:

     Re:  Haskell Tank Cell Tower

 

FINANCE REPORT:

           

ADJOURNMENT: