February 20, 2003
7:30 P.M.
Stewartsville, NJ
The Township Committee of the Township of Greenwich held a regular meeting on the above date with the following members present: Mayor Gregory Blaszka, Deputy Mayor Elaine Emiliani, Committeeman Frank Marchetta, Committeeman Jeff Mallory, Committeewoman Deborah Pasquarelli, Township Attorney Peter Jost, Township Engineer Michael Finelli, Chief Financial Officer Gregory Della Pia and Township Clerk Kimberly Viscomi
The Flag Salute was repeated
The Sunshine Law was read as follows: "Adequate notice of this meeting was given in accordance with the Open Public Meetings Act by: 1. Mailing a schedule of this meeting of the Township Committee to the Express-Times and the Phillipsburg Free Press, 2. Posting a copy thereof on the Township Bulletin Board, and 3. Filing a copy thereof with the Township Clerk".
PRESENTATION OF AWARDS TO CHAMPIONSHIP SOCCER TEAM
CONSENT AGENDA
"All matters listed below under the Consent Agenda are considered to be routine by the Township Committee and will be enacted by one motion in the form listed below. There w at the article of the Star Uganda is the heart of a to have to the early ill not be discussion on these items. If discussion is desired, that item will be removed from the Consent Agenda and will be considered separately".
1. Receive, and File Monthly Reports:
Treasurer Tax Collector
Planning Board Municipal Court
Police Report Building Department Report
2. Receive, Charge to Various Accounts, and Pay Monthly Bills
Committeewoman Pasquarelli made a motion, seconded by Committeewoman Emiliani to approve the above listed Consent Agenda.
Voting in favor: Pasquarelli, Mallory, Marchetta, Emiliani, Blaszka
Opposed: None
MOTION CARRIED
PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD
Committeeman Mallory made a motion, seconded by Committeewoman Emiliani to open the meeting to the public for public comment period
Voting in favor: Pasquarelli, Mallory, Marchetta, Emiliani, Blaszka
Opposed: None
MOTION CARRIED
Dennis Losco, Owner of Superior Quartz – Expressed concern to the Committee regarding the Stryker’s Road Realignment project. He informed that his company site is up for sale, they will be moving to the Lehigh Valley Industrial Park. He stated that the south side of his property is being taken by the State for the realignment of Route 22 and he is concerned that the Stryker’s project would take a portion of his property on the north side. He stated that he would like help from the Township and County if his land is utilized for this project for them to help him if his land is considered a non-conforming lot. He also expressed a desire to be connected to the sewage system. He stated that if the plan is to condemn his property then he wanted this to be done now.
Mary Moran of 1923 Gary Road – Informed the Committee that the developer responsible for snow removal in her development is not doing the job properly. She stated that they have pushed the snow up against the handicap areas of the sidewalk.
Gary Hill – Captain of the Greenwich Emergency Squad – Informed the Committee that better arrangements need to be made during snowstorms for snow removal in front of the squad building. He stated at one time the snow was 19 inches in front of the building. Committeewoman Emiliani informed that she spoke with the County regarding pushing the snow in front of the building and she also spoke with Committeeman Marchetta regarding the Township Road Department making additional trips to the squad building to ensure that the building is properly plowed. He also inquired as to the status of approval for Julie Fleming and Christina Lebitz as Junior Members. The Committee informed that they would act on these approvals tonight.
Dan Rynmann of Consumer NJ Company in Phillipsburg - Questioned the Committee of the status of the contract for the Wastewater Collection System. He stated that Consumer’s was the lowest bidder and wanted to know the status. Committeewoman Pasquarelli informed that she assumed that they were notified, she stated that she will research the status of the contract and notify Consumers.
As there was no further public comment, Committeewoman Emiliani made a motion, seconded by Committeeman Marchetta to close the public comment period
Voting in favor: Pasquarelli, Mallory, Marchetta, Emiliani, Blaszka
Opposed: None
MOTION CARRIED
TOWNSHIP ATTORNEY
SECOND READING/PUBLIC HEARING
ORDINANCE 2003-01
AN ORDINANCE REQUIRING THE REMOVAL OF ICE AND SNOW FROM STREETS IN APPROVED SUBDIVISION WHICH HAVE NOT BEEN DEDICATED OR ACCEPTED BY THE TOWNSHIP OF GREENWICH, COUNTY OF WARREN
Mayor Blaszka made a motion, seconded by Committeeman Marchetta to open the meeting to the public
Voting in favor: Pasquarelli, Mallory, Marchetta, Emiliani, Blaszka
Opposed: None
MOTION CARRIED
Mary Moran of 1923 Gary Road – Informed the Committee that the contractors that are doing the snow plowing are not plowing from curb to curb. She stated that she would like to have this enforced.
Gary Hill – Squad Captain – Stated that the homeowners need to take responsibility also with helping out with the snow. They can assist with shoveling the snow along the sidewalks and also at the corner curb areas so that the children do not have to walk in the street.
Ray Tanella of Austin Circle – Expressed concern that once the snow starts melting that the homeowners in his section of the development will experience flooding. He stated that a water problem already exists in his area and is concerned about the flooding from the snow.
Committeeman Emiliani made a motion, seconded by Committeeman Marchetta to close the public hearing on Ordinance 2003-01
Voting in favor: Pasquarelli, Mallory, Marchetta, Emiliani, Blaszka
Opposed: None
MOTION CARRIED
Mayor Blaszka made a motion, seconded by Committeeman Marchetta to adopt Ordinance 2003-01
Voting in favor: Pasquarelli, Mallory, Marchetta, Emiliani, Blaszka
Opposed: None
MOTION CARRIED
Discussion regarding formal policy pertaining to property damage during snow removal by Township DPW employees
Attorney Jost informed that most municipalities have an informal policy of reimbursement to the residents for damage to the mailboxes with a cap-spending limit. He recommended $30-$35 limit. The resident will be required to bring in a receipt. He stated that this is for community relations to the residents.
BE IT RESOLVED that the Township shall reimburse residents, property owners for mailboxes damaged or destroyed by snow plowing by municipal road department upon presentation of receipts or other documentation by the property owner in an amount not to exceed $35.00.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED the Township will not be responsible for labor costs for installation of replacement mailboxes, the payment to cover only parts and materials.
Committeewoman Pasquarelli made a motion, seconded by Committeewoman Emiliani to adopt the foregoing Resolution.
Voting in favor: Pasquarelli, Mallory, Marchetta, Emiliani, Blaszka
Opposed: None
MOTION CARRIED
First Reading
ORDINANCE 2003-04
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE REVISED GENERAL ORDINANCE OF THE TOWNSHIP OF GREENWICH REGARDING REGULATIONS FOR PARKS, PLAYGROUNDS AND RECREATION AREAS
Mayor Blaszka made a motion, seconded by Committeewoman Pasquarelli to approve for first reading, Ordinance 2003-04
Voting in favor: Pasquarelli, Mallory, Marchetta, Emiliani, Blaszka
Opposed: None
MOTION CARRIED
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
SECOND READING/PUBLIC HEARING
ORDINANCE 2003-02
CAP INDEX RATE ORDINANCE
Mayor Blaszka made a motion, seconded by Committeewoman Emiliani to open the meeting for public hearing on Ordinance 2003-02
Voting in favor: Pasquarelli, Mallory, Marchetta, Emiliani, Blaszka
Opposed: None
MOTION CARRIED
Mayor Blaszka made a motion, seconded by Committeeman Marchetta to close the public hearing on Ordinance 2003-02
Voting in favor: Pasquarelli, Mallory, Marchetta, Emiliani, Blaszka
Opposed: None
MOTION CARRIED
Mayor Blaszka made a motion, seconded by Committeeman Marchetta to adopt Ordinance 2003-02
Voting in favor: Pasquarelli, Mallory, Marchetta, Emiliani, Blaszka
Opposed: None
MOTION CARRIED
TOWNSHIP ENGINEER
1. Greenwich Street / Wyndham Farm Blvd. Pedestrian Crossing
Engineer Finelli informed that they have designed the plan for this project. He stated that this plan is now in a position with input from the Committee to go out to bid. He would secure approval from both the County and from the NJDOT. He stated that the input needed from the Committee would be the type of sign that would needed to be put up. He spoke of the two different options of solar powered or hard wired. The two types of signs were speed limit notification sign, which is the cheaper version and also with radar option, which would indicate the speed of the vehicle as it, approaches the sign. The price that was previously submitted is the materials only prices for one (1) sign. There will be additional costs associated with the installation of the signs. He stated that the estimated total cost for this project would be $35,000. He informed that we still do not have an answer from the BOE. Mayor Blaszka informed that they did respond and indicated for us to move ahead whether or not courtesy bussing is done away with. The BOE wants this installed either way for the safety of the children. The Township Committee did not take any action on this matter.
AMENDED TO INCLUDE:
Letter dated October 22, 2002
To: Mayor Deborah Pasquarelli
From: Kevin Brennan, Superintendent
Following the last meeting of the Township Committee I received a telephone call from Committeeman Greg Blaszka, the Township's liaison to the Board of Education. In that telephone call, Mr. Blaszka shared that the Township Committee is requesting a letter from the Board of Education stating its intent relative to courtesy bussing for the 2003-2004 school year. I did review your request with the Board of Education at their October 21st meeting. Following their discussion of the matter, the Board of Education asked that I forwarded this response to the Township Committee.
The question of the status of courtesy bussing for the next school year remains open and is tied to the larger issue of the budget. As you know, the school budget continues to be strained due to the combination of both the lack of state funding and the ongoing growth of student enrollment. It is anticipated that this situation will not change for the 2003 -- 2004 school year. In light of the budgetary challenges facing the Board of Education, the Board has determined the need to expand the participation of the public in the budget planning process. On November 11th the Board of Education will be holding a public form to hear directly from Township residents comments and suggestions on the future direction of the school district. Additionally, following the public forum, the Board will be soliciting public opinion on a number of key issues affecting the school district via a written questionnaire. Courtesy bussing is a topic that is on the minds of many residents and will be part of the preliminary budget discussions with the public. It is the boards intent to utilize the information gathered to form its budgetary decisions. Once the Board has concluded whether or not courtesy bussing will be continued, the decision will be communicated to the Township Committee.
Regardless of the status of courtesy bussing, the Board of Education wishes to communicate to the Township Committee its support for the placement at a warning light at the intersection of Greenwich Street and Wyndham Farm Blvd. It is the opinion of the Board that this intersection will continue to be a prime location for parents and children to cross in order to access school facilities, i.e.., the school building and the recreational fields. It is anticipated that even if courtesy bussing is continued, parents and students will elect to walk or bike to school or recreational events. Additionally, as the facilities are completed it is anticipated that the school in fields will be utilized from morning till evening seven days a week. The placement of a warning light would, at the very least, provide for some additional protection for parents and children attempting to cross this busy intersection. The Board of Education encourages the Township Committee to take whatever steps are necessary to ensure placement of such a warning light as soon as possible.
I hope that this letter addresses the needs of the Township Committee. If there is any other information that would assist the Township Committee plan for the upcoming year, please do not hesitate to contact me.
2. Stryker’s Road
Lublanecki Alternatives Study
Engineer Walt Lublanecki prepared a draft report of a study of the section of Dumont road between County Route 519 and Greenwich Street, County Route 638, for the purpose of evaluating the impact that projected through traffic will have on that local roadway. This report makes recommendation to mitigate this impact. In addition to safety as a prime consideration the impact on the residents living near to and using Dumont Road for local access is also considered in this report. His recommendations are consistent with the current Greenwich Township Circulation Plan and provide for the safe and efficient flow of local traffic as was as regional or through traffic. In making the recommendations the emphasis is placed on keeping through traffic off of local Township roads. The traffic impact evaluation for Dumont Road is presented as an extension of the circulation plan and was accomplished by performing the following tasks:
· Field investigation of Dumont Road
· Manual turning movement counts at the intersection of Rt. 519, Dumont and Stryker’s Road during the weekday peak period and Saturday peak period
· Review of the traffic study reports prepared for the Greenwich Center retail development
· Review of alternatives for the realignment of Stryker’s Road and improvements to Rt. 519 in the vicinity of Dumont Road
· Review of the NJDOT recommendations for improvements to the Rt. 22 corridor in the immediate area
· Projection of future traffic volumes on Dumont Road and at the intersection of Rt. 519, Dumont Road and Stryker’s Road.
· Developing and analyzing improvement schemes for the minimizing and mitigation of the impact of through traffic on Dumont Road
· Conclusions and Recommendations to the most feasible and cost effective schemes
3. Future Dedications
Greenwich Chase, Phase 7
Greenfields @ Greenwich, Section III
Wyndham Farm