MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEETING
BOROUGH OF WANAQUE
MINUTES
August 11, 2008
A Business Meeting of the Mayor and Council of the
Borough of Wanaque was held on Monday, August 11, 2008, at 7:05 P.M. in the
The Mayor called the meeting to order.
On roll call, the following Council Members responded: Balunis, Cisco, O’Connell, Pasquariello, Pettet and Theoharous. The Mayor declared a quorum. The Borough Engineer was present. The Borough Attorney was absent.
The Mayor read the following Sunshine Statement: Adequate notice of this meeting has been provided by the Mayor and Council by e-mailing notice of this Business Meeting to the Suburban Trends and the Herald News newspapers on January 2, 2008 stating therein that this meeting would be held on Monday, August 11, 2008 at the time of 7:00 P.M. in the Wanaque Municipal Building, 579 Ringwood Avenue, Wanaque, New Jersey and a copy of this notice was posted on the bulletin board in the Wanaque Municipal Building on January 2, 2008 and a copy is on file in the office of the Municipal Clerk.
MINUTES:
Business Meeting of July 14, 2008.
On entertainment of the Mayor, Councilmen Pasquariello and Balunis moved a motion to approve the aforementioned minutes.
On roll call, all voted yes, except Councilman Pettet who abstained, and the Mayor declared the motion carried.
PROCLAMATION – Honoring Jan Barry – The Record on his retirement:
The Mayor read the following Proclamation:
WHEREAS, Jan Barry has been a fixture at governmental meetings in the Borough of Wanaque for many years, being a staff writer for the Bergen Record from 1987, writing news articles about the happenings in our community and our region; and
WHEREAS, Jan Barry is a recipient of several journalism awards, mainly for persistence, including the 2003 Community Service Award from the Society of the Silurians, the oldest press club in the United States; and
WHEREAS, Jan Barry is an accomplished author, poet and peace activist; and
WHEREAS, Jan Barry has treated Wanaque fairly in his reporting, making sure his facts and figures are correct, while allowing opposing views to be heard; and
WHEREAS, Jan Barry has retired from the Bergen Record to pursue a career in teaching journalism.
NOW,
THEREFORE, I, DANIEL MAHLER, MAYOR OF THE BOROUGH OF WANAQUE, do hereby issue
this proclamation in recognition of the accomplishments of Jan Barry in being a
journalist who reported on the Borough of Wanaque in a fair and unbiased manor,
and direct that a copy of this proclamation be spread in the minutes of the
Borough of Wanaque to forever record the accomplishments of Jan Barry; and
FURTHER, on behalf of the Borough Council, Borough Administrator, and the officials of the Borough of Wanaque, do wish you good health and success in your retirement.
ORDINANCES:
Public Hearing of Ord. #2-0-08:
Re:
Dissolution of
Held.
On entertainment of the Mayor, Councilmen Pettet and Theoharous moved a motion to table Ordinance #2-0-08 to the September 8, 2008 meeting.
On roll call, all voted yes, and the Mayor declared the motion carried.
Public Hearing of Ord. #8-0-08:
Re: Bond Ordinance – Purchase of US Aluminum Property
Held to after Closed Session.
Public Hearing of Ord. #16-0-08:
Re: Amend Chapter 28, Personnel to Establish a Defined Contribution Program
On entertainment of the Mayor, Councilmen Pasquariello and Pettet moved a motion that Ordinance #16-0-08 be taken from the table and read by the Clerk, by title only, for consideration of final reading.
On roll call, all voted yes, and the Mayor declared the motion carried.
The Clerk took from the table and read by title only as follows: AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE CODE OF THE BOROUGH OF WANAQUE, CHAPTER 28, ENTITLED “PERSONNEL” TO ESTABLISH ARTICLE XIII, DEFINED CONTRIBUTION RETIREMENT SYSTEM.
This Ordinance has been duly advertised in accordance with the statutes; a copy was posted on the bulletin board in the Municipal Building, a copy was available for the public to read in the Clerk's office; and copies are available for the public present here this evening.
The Mayor opened the Public Hearing.
Dave DaSilva,
The Mayor said basically the State has a State pension system and certain new employees were hired it’s a deferred contribution program similar to a 401K at certain levels they won’t be in the pension system any more.
Dave DaSilva said is it costing the Borough anything.
The Mayor said it will cost us less than the pension system.
Dave DaSilva said so these people were originally in the pension system and now they’re putting it now.
The Borough Administrator said it would be for any new hires who are not in the public employees retirement system.
Dave DaSilva said so going through the list of people that qualify for this such as the Borough Administrator, the Superintendent of Public Works, the Superintendent of Water, the Municipal Attorney, the commissioners of the sewerage authority are those people currently in the retirement system.
The Borough Administrator said well we don’t have a superintendent of public works or a superintendent of water right now, the sewer authority I’m not sure of, I am the Borough Attorney is not anymore I think that’s all the titles.
Dave DaSilva said is it normal for part time employees and commissioners that are appointed to the sewer authority to be part of the pension system.
The Borough Administrator said under the public employee’s retirement system anyone who earned more than fifteen hundred dollars per year whether they were part time or full time had to be enrolled in the pension system by State regulation. The State now is requiring every Municipality to adopt an Ordinance similar to what we are adopting for the titles that are listed in order to set it up for anyone new coming in who is not a member of the public employee’s retirement system that they would have to go into the DCRP program.
Dave DaSilva said so if next year I was appointed to the sewer authority I would quality for this.
The Borough Administrator said I’m not sure what the dollar numbers are I know they increased the dollar numbers to I think five thousand dollars it depends on what the minimum requirement is for membership.
Dave DaSilva said is it your understanding that this is the same Ordinance under the same titles that other towns are passing.
The Mayor said yes. It’s the one prescribed by the State, we modeled it after that.
The Administrator said yes. I believe that it’s a straight five percent. I think it’s five percent of salary as a match, don’t quote me on it but I think that was the number that they were talking about. Again we don’t have anybody going into it right now and that five percent is a lot less than what we are paying for the PERS program.
Dave DaSilva said okay thank you.
The Mayor closed the Public Hearing.
Councilmen Balunis and Theoharous moved that,
BE IT RESOLVED that an Ordinance entitled: AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE CODE OF THE BOROUGH OF WANAQUE, CHAPTER 28, ENTITLED “PERSONNEL” TO ESTABLISH ARTICLE XIII, DEFINED CONTRIBUTION RETIREMENT SYSTEM pass final reading and that said Ordinance be adopted as an Ordinance of the Borough of Wanaque; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Borough Clerk be and she is hereby directed to cause said Ordinance to be published in the manner prescribed by law.
On roll call, all voted yes, and the Mayor declared the motion carried.
Public Hearing of Ord. #17-0-08:
Re:
Amend Chapter 108, Vehicles and Traffic to add a Bus Stop at
and
On entertainment of the Mayor, Councilmen Theoharous and O’Connell moved a motion that Ordinance #17-0-08 be taken from the table and read by the Clerk, by title only, for consideration of final reading.
On roll call, all voted yes, and the Mayor declared the motion carried.
The Clerk took from the table and read by title only as follows: AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE CODE OF THE BOROUGH OF WANAQUE, CHAPTER 108, ENTITLED “VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC TO AMEND SCHEDULE X – BUS STOPS, TO ESTABLISH A BUS STOP AT ARGYLE STREET.
This Ordinance has been duly advertised in accordance with the statutes; a copy was posted on the bulletin board in the Municipal Building, a copy was available for the public to read in the Clerk's office; and copies are available for the public present here this evening.
The Mayor opened the Public Hearing.
Ken Ambruster,
The Mayor said probably because they beat us to it.
The Borough Administrator said this was a request by New Jersey Transit they must be slow right now. I wish I could get them to respond to other things as quickly.
The Mayor closed the Public Hearing.
Councilmen Pasquariello and O’Connell moved that,
BE IT RESOLVED that an Ordinance entitled: AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE CODE OF THE BOROUGH OF WANAQUE, CHAPTER 108, ENTITLED “VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC TO AMEND SCHEDULE X – BUS STOPS, TO ESTABLISH A BUS STOP AT ARGYLE pass final reading and that said Ordinance be adopted as an Ordinance of the Borough of Wanaque; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Borough Clerk be and she is hereby directed to cause said Ordinance to be published in the manner prescribed by law.
On roll call, all voted yes, and the Mayor declared the motion carried.
Public Hearing of Ord. #18-0-08:
Re:
Amend Chapter 108 Vehicles and Traffic to add Schedule XIV no turn on
red
On entertainment of the Mayor, Councilman Pasquariello and Councilwoman Cisco moved a motion that Ordinance #18-0-08 be taken from the table and read by the Clerk, by title only, for consideration of final reading.
On roll call, all voted yes, and the Mayor declared the motion carried.
The Clerk took from the table and read by title only as follows: AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE CODE OF THE BOROUGH OF WANAQUE,
CHAPTER 108, VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC TO ESTABLISH SECTIONS PROHIBITING RIGHT TURN ON RED.
This Ordinance has been duly advertised in accordance with the statutes; a copy was posted on the bulletin board in the Municipal Building, a copy was available for the public to read in the Clerk's office; and copies are available for the public present here this evening.
The Mayor opened the Public Hearing.
William Holt, 8319
The Mayor said yes we did. The Administrator spoke with the State DOT and what we were told was they reviewed it after the road had been widened and what their contention was when you are stopped at the white line and you look to the left you don’t have a clear view. So I took a look myself and they were right. When I originally went down and looked at it I was across the crosswalk. But the State regulation is from the white line they draw before the crosswalk and when you look to the left the view is blocked by the buildings and it is required I forget how many feet it was and when I took a look they were right and they had done a review on it with the road being widened. And that was my concern was that they had been done it beforehand and this comes from the State so this is just a formality at this point.
William Holt said I understand. And I understand sight lines and what the actual view is of when traffic is coming there. One thing I’m wondering is whether based on the speed limit that’s currently posted there which I would like to propose consideration for lowering it for a couple of reasons but I’m wondering if the speed limit was lowered to say the same thing that’s in front of the library down to thirty miles an hour would that then bring the sight line into allowing right turns on red.
The Mayor said that I don’t know.
William Holt said does the borough get to put two cents in as to what speed limit the road actually is.
The Mayor said it’s a County road. So the County controls the speed limit. We can make a suggestion to the County and they will either take our suggestion or not.
William Holt said because if lowering it to thirty miles an hour puts the sight line, eliminates the restriction, the need for the restriction on the right turn then I would like to suggest that we recommend that the speed limit be reduced and it is thirty miles an hour just a few hundred yards up the road. It is thirty five right now but it is thirty when you get to the library. It changes speed. I would say that even for safety sake I don’t know what analysis has been done but that “s” curve through that section there after you go over the bridge going south that doesn’t tolerate much more than thirty miles an hour. So I think there is good justification for lowering the speed especially if we are not going to get a street light in there. But I would like the borough to consider that.
The Mayor said there is a light in there.
William Holt said there isn’t a light in the “s” curve. There is one before that and after but not in the curve. That’s a separate issue. Any way if the borough would consider maybe touching base if it is at all possible with the County.
The Borough Administrator said in speaking to the person that designed it. It was strictly in the sight line speed didn’t come into play. Based on my conversation with him you stop at the stop bar you look to the left the buildings are in the way that’s why there is a no turn on red. Whether it is thirty, thirty five, twenty five it’s the sight line that comes into play.
William Holt said well the sight line is different for different speeds. I know that’s part of their justification. I know what the sight line is Tom. I have made the turn there a couple of times myself and I know what you can and can’t see when you are sitting behind the white line waiting for the light to change. But if that’s the case, that’s the opinion, then so be it. But I just make the request that maybe we can find out if changing the speed limit would make a difference or not. Thank you.
The Mayor said we can ask.
The Mayor closed the Public Hearing.
Councilmen Pasquariello and O’Connell moved that,
BE IT RESOLVED that an Ordinance entitled: AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE CODE OF THE BOROUGH OF WANAQUE, CHAPTER 108, VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC TO ESTABLISH SECTIONS PROHIBITING RIGHT TURN ON RED pass final reading and that said Ordinance be adopted as an Ordinance of the Borough of Wanaque; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Borough Clerk be and she is hereby directed to cause said Ordinance to be published in the manner prescribed by law.
On roll call, all voted yes, and the Mayor declared the motion carried.
Public Hearing of Ord. #19-0-08:
Re: Appropriating $115,000 from Capital Surplus
for Haskell Firehouse Addition
On entertainment of the Mayor, Councilman Theoharous and Pasquariello moved a motion that Ordinance #19-0-08 be taken from the table and read by the Clerk, by title only, for consideration of final reading.
On roll call, all voted yes, except Councilman O’Connell who abstained and the Mayor declared the motion carried.
The Clerk took from the table and read by title only as follows: AN ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING $115,000 FROM CAPITAL SURPLUS TO FUND AN ADDITION TO THE HASKELL FIREHOUSE.
This Ordinance has been duly advertised in accordance with the statutes; a copy was posted on the bulletin board in the Municipal Building, a copy was available for the public to read in the Clerk's office; and copies are available for the public present here this evening.
The Mayor opened the Public Hearing.
Dave DaSilva,
The Mayor said we put it out to bid, we rejected the bids, we’re in the process of having a different architect take a look at the specs and we’re going to put it out to bid a second time.
Dave DaSilva said have you guys already figured out how you’re going to pay for the rest of this obviously this isn’t going to cover it. Do you know where the rest of the money is going to come from.
The Mayor said well this will be part of it and the other part will be a bond.
Dave DaSilva said okay. I just don’t want half the money approved and half the money not approved. We have a truck coming and don’t know where to put it.
The Borough Administrator said the bond for two hundred thousand dollars has already been approved. This is supplemental to make sure we have enough so that when we do take the bids we have enough cash to approve it right away and not have to wait for additional funds if it is necessary.
Dave DaSilva said and you think this will take care of the balance.
The Borough Administrator said yes.
Dave DaSilva said okay thanks.
John Maiello,
The Borough Administrator said it was two hundred thousand dollars.
John Maiello said so it is three hundred fifteen thousand dollars you’re appropriating to do it and that should cover it right.
The Borough Administrator said yes. We rejected the bid for two hundred seventy thousand dollars the second bid was for around three hundred fifteen thousand dollars. The architect feels that the cost will be less than the two hundred seventy thousand dollars since he’s changed the type and style of construction however I have not gotten a final construction estimate from him yet but this will make sure that we have enough funding in place so that we can award the bid immediately.
John Maiello said you’re not
contemplating doing what they did in Riverdale on
The Borough Administrator said no we actually had changed the construction at the architects suggestion. We are not doing cinder block. It’s going to be a wood structure which will allow us to insulate the building better. It’s not going to be the metal structure like you have in Bloomingdale.
The Mayor closed the Public Hearing.
Councilmen Theoharous and Pasquariello moved that,
BE IT RESOLVED that an Ordinance entitled: AN ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING $115,000 FROM CAPITAL SURPLUS TO FUND AN ADDITION TO THE HASKELL FIREHOUSE pass final reading and that said Ordinance be adopted as an Ordinance of the Borough of Wanaque; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Borough Clerk be and she is hereby directed to cause said Ordinance to be published in the manner prescribed by law.
On roll call, all voted yes, except Councilman O’Connell who abstained and the Mayor declared the motion carried.
Introduction of Ordinance #20-0-08:
Re: Appropriating $21,000.00 from the Capital Improvement Fund to finance
the
appraisal of certain real properties for possible acquisition
On entertainment of the Mayor, Councilmen Pasquariello and Balunis moved that Ordinance #20-0-08 be taken from the table and read by the Clerk, by title only, for consideration of first reading.
On roll call, all voted yes, and the Mayor declared the motion carried.
The Clerk took from the table and read by title only as follows: AN ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING $21,000.00 FROM THE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT FUND TO FINANCE THE APPRAISAL OF CERTAIN REAL PROPERTIES FOR POSSIBLE ACQUISITION.
On entertainment of the Mayor, Councilmen Balunis and Theoharous moved that,
BE IT RESOLVED that an Ordinance entitled: AN ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING $21,000.00 FROM THE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT FUND TO FINANCE THE APPRAISAL OF CERTAIN REAL PROPERTIES FOR POSSIBLE ACQUISITION pass first reading, and that said Ordinance be further considered for final passage and adoption at a meeting of the Borough Council to be held on the 8th day of September 2008, at the Municipal Building in the Borough of Wanaque at 8:00 P.M., and that at such time and place all persons interested be given an opportunity to be heard concerning said Ordinance; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Borough Clerk be instructed to publish in the manner provided by law a copy of said Ordinance, together with introduction thereof and notice when same will be considered for final passage and adoption.
On roll call, all voted yes, and the Mayor declared the motion carried.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Councilman Balunis:
Councilman Balunis reported the referendum work is going on in both schools. The Recreation Commission met this week. There was no meeting in July. The Library has no meeting in July or August and they are on their summer hours. Congressman Garrett’s office will be there.
Councilwoman Cisco:
Councilwoman Cisco reported the Welfare Board had no meeting yet. They will meet by September. The Board of Adjustment met Wednesday and regarding the money last month the bill will not be paid.
Councilman O’Connell:
Councilman O’Connell reported there are a couple of applications for the Planning Board. Try to fix the garbage truck that was in the accident. The needs assessment study.
Councilman Pasquariello:
Councilman Pasquariello reported the police department is quiet. The first aid squad voted on a new rig. They chose P & L.
Councilman Pettet:
Councilman Pettet reported the
Councilman Theoharous:
Councilman Theoharous said reported the firehouse bids will be going out. We may have a special meeting in September to award the bid.
The Mayor thanked the Haskell AC who cleaned up the area in the woods. They did a great job. The welcome to Wanaque sign is up. The City of Paterson is suing the rest of the towns that have not be required to revaluate in the County since they got their tax bills and they went up.
Engineer:
The Borough Engineer reported on two
resolutions on the agenda. One is a
payment for
The Mayor said the amount for the additional change order is going to be billed to the sewer authority. We pay for it and bill them.
Attorney:
The Borough Attorney was absent.
Administrator:
The Borough Administrator reported the welcome to Wanaque sign is there temporarily until the property is acquired. Met with four property owners and agreed they wanted to be included. Passaic County Community Development Block Grant is available for façade improvements – Valentine, Kressaty, Auto Parts and Karate are eligible for grants in the Haskell business district. Went over the consent agenda. 13.6 Engineer looked at it – use the jet vac – will be here tomorrow morning to work on the pipes.
Councilman Balunis said what about storm drains packed with debris – storm drains cleaned out it will let the water go out.
The Borough Administrator said use the jet vac from the County and manpower to clean it out tomorrow.
The Borough Engineer said it’s in a
flood plain and we’ll try this approach before they get permits.
PUBLIC
DISCUSSION:
The
Mayor opened the Public Discussion.
John Maiello,
The Borough Administrator said they had some minor violations that have been corrected. And the sod should be in by September to be done and the field won’t be used until the Spring.
John Maiello said what is status of the properties for the study for the municipal building thirty units.
The Mayor said the property owners are interested in going in it.
John Maiello said there are four lots in the resolution and our lots are not in there.
The Borough Administrator said I will check into it.
Ken
Ambruster,
Councilman Balunis said we already did join in. They didn’t list every town that is in but we are in.
Ken Ambruster thanked Mr. Carroll for repairing the garbage truck right away. There was an article in the Herald News about our sewerage plant, Pompton Lakes, Wayne and Ringwood having to do something with taking out all the phosphorous with the cost of something like fifty million dollars because of the fact that the Wanaque river is a class one stream and there were complaints down at Passaic and Paterson that the Passaic river was being fouled. Are we being picked on or is everybody else in the State going to be required with this new requirement.
The Mayor said I think this requirement is a statewide requirement and I also think in speaking to the people at the regional they seem to say that their phosphorus levels are below what the requirement is if we’re talking about the same one that came out about a year ago.
John
Maiello,
Chief Reno said because he is already trained there is no school available at this time between the three academies that offer it we are short specials we just lost one who worked a lot of hours for us who is now in the academy and is being hired by Clifton as a regular police officer and he is well qualified.
John Maiello said thank you.
William
Holt, 8319
Timothy King, 31 Evergreen Avenue, Haskell said regarding the US Aluminum site last month you talked about the seventy five thousand dollars for the environmental study. Are we still going forward with that.
The Borough Administrator said yes our consultant is still working with the consultant for US Aluminum they’re continuing to review reports information and they will be on site tomorrow to see the removal of the underground storage tanks.
The Mayor said the seventy five thousand dollars is a maximum it’s not what we spent to date.
Timothy King said where does that US Aluminum site rank in your order of five properties for the new municipal building.
The Mayor said the five properties are all located north of the current building and they are all together.
Timothy King said where does US Aluminum sit in the order of importance for the municipal building.
The Mayor said our intention is to purchase the five properties and put them all together and put the municipal building there. At this point that’s not a done deal so we don’t want to eliminate the other property until this issue is solidified. Since there may or may not be environmental problems down there we’ve initiated an environmental study we want to find out what’s there so the site can get cleaned up by the current property owner.
Timothy King said does the town have a plan for that site if that works out down
the street and now you have this US Aluminum site.
The Mayor said we have possibilities for that site. We have designated that as a
redevelopment zone so in the case that our town hall goes up this end we’ll do a redevelopment and get a redeveloper in for commercial.
Timothy King said regarding some of the costs in involved with repairing Evergreen on the high side ten thousand for the permits and twenty thousand for the excavation and repair of everything. That’s on the high side of everything that’s a lot less than seventy five thousand dollars. You’re talking about coming out tomorrow to jet vac the pipes. You mentioned a camera and putting a camera down and taking a look around. I saw the pipes when the ground was torn apart for the gas line. The pipe had holes everywhere water squirting out of it as soon as they relieved some pressure. So sucking the stuff out of there isn’t going to correct the problem that the pipes are rotted, decayed and need replacement. I understand we’re getting that unit free of charge from the County. It seems to me like we’re wasting more and more money to prevent fixing this problem and as you represented you’ve known about it for twelve years and it has been there for over thirty years. I understand the Engineer gives recommendations and you act off of those or you don’t. Are you going to continue to allow those recommendations to aid and abet the negligence of the town. This is thirty years of negligence and you’re talking it’s cost effective to use the jet vac and it saves the town money but in the end it’s going to cost me money because this water that pools in the road is going to make it’s way into my house.
The Borough Engineer said if you can jet the line out to clean it even if it has holes in it they can line the pipe with plastic liner and that can be done without any permits. If you want to start the permit road you are going to be looking at three months of waiting just for the permits to do it.
The
Borough Administrator said I think as far as the process goes we’ll know
tomorrow whether or not we can get the jet vac in there. That’s the simple solution. If we can get through with the County machine
then we can go in and line the pipe. I
think Mike is optimistic as far as three months in getting permits from the
Department of Environmental Protection.
It took us eight or nine months to get them for a simple encroachment
permit for
Councilman Balunis said if we can get that cleaned out and get a pipe liner in there it may or may not work.
The Borough Administrator said Mr. King if you want to leave me your cell phone number or contact number as soon as they are done tomorrow I will call you.
Timothy King said in terms of post brook itself I spoke with a supervisor regarding post brook the Department of Environmental Protection has no interest.
The Borough Administrator said the Department of Environmental Protection opposing the buffer and can’t see them against it.
Timothy King said if you walk the stream you’ll see pipes that dump into there and it will ultimately create a problem. Private pipes people have going into there.
Dave
DaSilva,
The
Borough Administrator said I will speak to the
The
Borough Engineer said if you have intense rainfall major flooding like that
can’t drain in the pipes. Flood plain
gets built on and creates problem. Small
pipes are by your area. The Department
of Environmental Protection is hesitant to shift the water it will go somewhere
else. Same problem on
Dave DaSilva said you understand the problem but there is no solution.
The
Borough Administrator said for lower capacity to go out faster they would have
to lower twin lakes and it will send water down to
The Borough Engineer said such a hard rain even the rivers flood.
Dave DaSilva said is it the official position of the borough is to live with it.
The Borough Administrator said will speak to Mr. Edmond tomorrow and come back to the Council. Know they won’t increase capacity for the pipes.
Dave DaSilva said the borough is in the position to do something.
The
Borough Administrator said had flooding on
Dave DaSilva said Reverend DeGroat was here in June asking about the sidewalks and is that taken care of.
The Mayor said that is being taken care of.
Councilwoman Cisco said how wide is the sidewalk. Thirty six inches is not adequate space between playground and the curb. Discuss it and bring it back up next month.
The Borough Administrator said I will check it tomorrow.
Dave DaSilva said regarding Valley View what is the status and the weeds are overgrown.
The Borough Administrator said they have not pulled the plug on the project. Property maintenance has issued summonses.
Dave
DaSilva said regarding
The Borough Administrator said the offer was not accepted.
Dave
DaSilva said the property on
The Borough Administrator said the County.
Dave DaSilva said regarding the abandoned US Aluminum property are you going to buy the US Aluminum property or buy additional property north of the municipal building.
The Mayor said we may purchase it or we may just give them our interest and keep our option open.
Dave DaSilva said you can’t keep buying property and giving it away free and spending millions and millions of dollars and hope the Council does research for best interests of town.
Sandy
Lawson,
The Mayor said they are the Rhinesmith property, the small family house owned by Struble, the Chinese restaurant, the house owned by Post trade property for Rhinesmith. County two hundred thousand for the property.
Sandy Lawson said is the decision based on open space funds.
The Borough Administrator said the balance is used pretty much up.
Sandy Lawson said disappointed the town picnic is not happening. Hope it will be next year.
The Mayor said I’m disappointed too. The committee voted not to have it. Fully intend to utilize the picnic next year.
Resident,
The Borough Administrator said again we’ve been out there jetting it on private property until we can get on the property.
Resident said with all these problems don’t you think to get a committee together and review the situation.
The Borough Administrator said we’ll make a request to the property owner again and see if he will let us on the property. We need to get on the property and get in there and dig the pipe up.
Anthony
Greco,
Councilwoman Cisco said how long have you lived there and no one has ever contacted you.
Anthony Greco said six years and no one has contacted me.
Councilwoman Cisco said thank you for clearing that up.
Anthony Greco said does any one have to be home when they come by.
The Borough Administrator said no.
John
Maiello,
The Mayor said what area are you talking about.
John Maiello said the arrow property. We’re not increasing revenues and taking care of businesses and people that are here already. Next to Quik Chek they still did not rent out the building and makes it destitute.
Sandy Lawson, 28 Haskell Avenue, Haskell said regarding the stormwater management plan, a component of that report addresses the pipe and you should look into what the people said.
The Mayor said there was an idea to put it in by the railroad bed.
Sandy Lawson said what can we look to do now. There should be some way to address the flood issue. Hope you do something about it.
Resident,
The Borough Administrator said you were given the wrong information. You need to see the building department.
The Mayor closed Public Discussion.
CONSENT
AGENDA:
Two (2) Applications for Raffle Licenses:
Re:
Saint Francis of
Resolution #131-0-08:
Re:
Refund of Tax overpayment on Block 317,
WHEREAS, there exists a tax overpayment on the property listed herein for the third quarter of 2008:
BLOCK
317 1.12 $2515.03
WHEREAS, the owner has requested a refund of said overpayment;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Treasurer shall refund a total of $2515.03 as per the certification of the Tax Collector.
Resolution #132-0-08:
Re:
Temporary Emergency Appropriation
WHEREAS, an emergent condition has arisen with respect to adoption of the 2008 Municipal Budget and N.J.S.A. 40A: 4-20 provides for an emergency temporary appropriation until the adoption of the 2008 Municipal Budget, and
WHEREAS, the total Temporary Budget including this resolution will total $3,466,267.82
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that in accordance with the provisions of N.J.S.A. 40A: 4-20:
A temporary appropriation be made for the 2008 Temporary Budget in the amount of $203,898.11.
Payment to
Re: 2nd Quarter Taxes for the Year 2008 in the amount of $1,632,334.04
Payment to
Re: Open Space Taxes for the 2nd Quarter Year 2008 in the amount of $33,721.22
Payment to
Re: 3rd Quarter Taxes for the Year 2008 in the amount of $1,894,190.79
Payment to
Re: Open Space Taxes for the 3rd Quarter Year 2008 in the amount of $37,555.41
Payment to Applied Landscape Technologies:
Re: Addice Park/Wanaque School Field Improvements in the amount of $49,000.00
On entertainment of the Mayor, Councilmen Pasquariello and Pettet moved a motion to approve the aforementioned Consent Agenda.
On roll call, all voted yes, and the Mayor declared the motion carried.
REGULAR REPORTS - PROFESSIONAL REPORTS:
1. Clerk's Receipts ‑ NONE.
2. Police Department Report - NONE.
3. Tax Collector's Report for July 2008 ‑ NONE.
4. Municipal Court Report for July 2008 ‑
5. Welfare Report for July 2008 - NONE.
On entertainment of the Mayor, Councilmen Pettet and Theoharous moved that reports be received and filed; and that all monies be turned over to the Treasurer.
On roll call, all voted yes, and the Mayor declared the motion carried.
___________________________
Daniel Mahler
Mayor
COMMUNICATIONS: None.
NEW BUSINESS:
Appointment of Board of Adjustment Member
– Term expires December 31, 2008:
On
entertainment of the Mayor, Councilmen Pasquariello and Pettet moved a motion
to approve the appointment of Dominick Cortellessa, 8535
On roll call, all voted yes, and the Mayor declared the motion carried.
Appraisal Proposal – Borough Hall Site:
Closed Session:
Re:
Litigation/Negotiation/Personnel
Held to the end of the meeting.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
Nothing new to report on.
Advertising on Haskell Water Tank:
The Borough Administrator said there is nothing new to report on.
Status of US Aluminum Investigation:
Previously discussed.
Haskell Firehouse Status:
Previously discussed.
Liquor License Hearing:
Re:
Realty, LLC
The Borough Administrator read the violations and said they have been corrected. How did you allow this to happen, the book of account and special tax stamp not being available.
Jomon Kalarickal said we have been cleaning up the place for the past three years. They are not collecting the special tax stamp any more and the account book was in the back office when the inspection was done and the employee did not know where it was.
Letter from Timothy King,
Previously discussed.
RESOLUTIONS:
Resolution #133-0-08:
Re:
Payment to 4 Clean Up, Inc. – Current Estimate
Improvements – Phase I in the
amount of $218,687.98
On entertainment of the Mayor, Councilmen Theoharous and Pettet moved that,
BE IT RESOLVED that payment be made to 4 Clean Up, Inc. for Current Estimate No. 1 in the amount of $218,687.98 in accordance with the Borough Engineers letter dated July 31, 2008.
On roll call, all voted yes, and the Mayor declared the motion carried.
Resolution #134-0-08:
Re: Appointment of Special Police Officer, Class I – Christopher Vnencak,
On entertainment of the Mayor, Councilmen Pasquariello and Pettet moved that,
BE IT
RESOLVED that Christopher Vnencak,
On roll call, all voted yes, and the Mayor declared the motion carried.
FINANCE REPORT:
Councilman Pettet said your Finance Committee respectfully reports that they have examined and approved the following and recommend that warrants be issued for their payment when the funds of the Borough of Wanaque are sufficient to meet them.
Vouchers:
CURRENT 2007 $ 2,046.00
CURRENT 2008 204,393.05
CURRENT PRE-PAID 63,094.26
WATER OPERATING 2008 31,837.14
WATER PREPAID 14,309.21
GENERAL CAPITAL 13,547.74
WATER CAPITAL 1,923.00
ESCROW BOOKKEEPER 135.00
PUBLIC ASSISTANCE 7,961.00
RECREATION TRUST 10,241.50
ANIMAL TRUST 16.80
UNEMPLOYMENT/DISABILITY __ 2,787.51 ___
TOTAL VOUCHERS $352,292.21
On roll call, all voted yes, and the Mayor declared the resolution adopted and forthwith approved it.
APPROVED: August 11, 2008
___________________________
Daniel Mahler
Mayor
Payrolls:
Councilmen Pettet and Theoharous moved a resolution approving the following payrolls:
Payroll #15 p/e 07/25/08 $188,341.51_
Payroll Total $188,341.51
GRAND TOTAL $540,633.72
On roll call, all voted yes, and the Mayor declared the resolution adopted and forthwith approved it.
APPROVED: August 11, 2008
________________________________
Daniel Mahler
Mayor
NEW BUSINESS:
Closed Session:
Re:
Negotiations/Personnel/Litigation
On entertainment of the Mayor, Councilmen Pasquariello and Theoharous moved that,
WHEREAS, Section 8 of the Open Public Meetings Act, Chapter 231, P.L. 1975, (N.J.S.A. 10:4-1) permits the exclusion of the public from a meeting in certain circumstances; and
WHEREAS, This public Body is of the opinion that such circumstances presently exist;
NOW,
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Wanaque,
1. The public shall be excluded from discussion of action upon the hereinafter specified subject matter.
2. The general nature of the subject matter to be discussed is as follows:
1) Purchase of real property.
3. The Mayor and Council shall release and disclose to the general public the
discussion and actions taken on the subject matter of the above mentioned closed session when the reasons for discussing and acting on the matter in closed session no longer exist, but no later than one month of the Mayor and Council arriving at a final decision on the specified subject matter.
On roll call, all voted yes, and the Mayor declared the motion carried.
RECONVENEMENT:
On entertainment of the Mayor, Councilmen Pasquariello and Theoharous moved a motion to reconvene at 10:15 P.M.
On roll call, all were present.
ORDINANCES:
Public Hearing of Ord. #8-0-08:
Re: Bond Ordinance – Purchase of US Aluminum Property
On entertainment of the Mayor, Councilmen Pasquariello and Pettet moved a motion to table Ordinance #8-0-08.
On roll call, all voted yes, and the Mayor declared the motion carried.
ADJOURNMENT:
On entertainment of the Mayor, Councilmen Pasquariello and Pettet moved a motion to adjourn the meeting.
On roll call, all voted yes, and the Mayor declared the motion carried; meeting adjourned at 10:20 P.M.
________________________________
Katherine J. Falone, RMC, CMC
Municipal Clerk