April 20, 2006
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: Deputy Mayor Visconti, Committeeman Gregory Blaszka, Committeeman Joseph Gurneak, Committeewoman Elaine Emiliani, Township Attorney Michael DiMarco, Township Engineer Michael Finelli, Township Clerk Kimberly Viscomi. Mayor Kanyuck participated via telephone – called in at 7:50PM.
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, Newark Star Ledger newspapers 2. Posting a copy thereof on the Township Bulletin Board, and 3. Filing a copy thereof with the Township Clerk".
Police Department Presentation of Life Saving Awards
Chief Guzzo presented the following awards:
PTC Award
Patrolman McLaughlin, Brown, Cahill
Detective Hummer
Educational Achievement Award
Detective Hummer
Military Service Award
Patrolman Tasiopolous
Lieutenant Morrow
Good Conduct Award
Patrolman Doran
Sergeant Voll
Lieutenant Morrow for five and ten years of service
Honorable Service Award
Patrolman Jason Garcia – Lopatcong Township
Sergeant Voll
Lieutenant Morrow
Rick Lynch
Civil Service Award
Bambi Bennett
· 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 will 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:
Tax Collector Planning Board
Municipal Court Treasurer
Police Report
2. Receive, Charge to Various Accounts, and Pay Monthly Bills
Committeeman Blaszka made a motion, seconded by Committeewoman Emiliani to approve the consent agenda.
Voting in favor: Blaszka, Gurneak, Emiliani, Visconti, Kanyuck-via phone
Opposed: None
MOTION CARRIED
Deputy Mayor Visconti made a statement in regards to the last Committee meeting held on March 16, 2006. He stated that Committeewoman Emiliani suggested that there were three members that met in violation of the Sunshine Law. He stated that he was not at the meeting when the statement was read, not only does he object to the statement from his personal standpoint being unethical, he finds it very offensive and absurd and irresponsible it does nothing but create divisiveness amongst the Committee members and it does not helpful in us trying to get the job done of the town which is what we are all supposed to do.
Committeewoman Emiliani stated that she did not state they violated the sunshine law.
· PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD
Committeeman Gurneak made a motion, seconded by Committeeman Blaszka to open the public comment period
Voting in favor: Blaszka, Gurneak, Emiliani, Visconti, Kanyuck-via phone
Opposed: None
MOTION CARRIED
As there was no public comment, Committeeman Gurneak made a motion, seconded by Committeeman Blaszka to close public comment period
Voting in favor: Blaszka, Gurneak, Emiliani, Visconti, Kanyuck-via phone
Opposed: None
MOTION CARRIED
RESOLUTIONS
2006-25 Introduction of 2006 Municipal Budget by Title Only
Committeeman Blaszka made a motion, seconded by Mayor Kanyuck to approve Resolution 2006-25
Voting in favor: Blaszka, Visconti, Kanyuck-via phone
Opposed: Gurneak, Emiliani
MOTION CARRIED
2006-26 Delay in the Introduction of Municipal Budget
Committeeman Blaszka made a motion, seconded by Committeeman Visconti to approve Resolution 2006-26
Voting in favor: Blaszka, Visconti, Kanyuck-via phone
Opposed: Gurneak, Emiliani
MOTION CARRIED
2006-27 Special Item of Revenue: Safe & Secure Grant
Committeeman Gurneak made a motion, seconded by Mayor Kanyuck to approve Resolution 2006-27
Voting in favor: Blaszka, Gurneak, Emiliani, Visconti, Kanyuck-via phone
Opposed: None
MOTION CARRIED
2006-28 Special Item of Revenue: Clean Communities Grant
Committeeman Blaszka made a motion, seconded by Committeeman Visconti to approve Resolution 2006-28
Voting in favor: Blaszka, Gurneak, Emiliani, Visconti, Kanyuck-via phone
Opposed: None
MOTION CARRIED
2006-29 Application to Local Finance Board – Cap Waiver
Committeeman Blaszka made a motion, seconded by Mayor Kanyuck to approve Resolution 2006-29
Voting in favor: Blaszka, Gurneak, Visconti, Kanyuck-via phone
Opposed: Emiliani
MOTION CARRIED
TOWNSHIP ATTORNEY
2006-30 Resolution Opening New Playground
Resolution of the Township of Greenwich, County of Warren, State of New Jersey Opening a New Playground Located at Block 26, Lot 5 Greenwich Township, Warren County
Committeeman Blaszka made a motion, seconded by Committeeman Visconti to approve Resolution 2006-30
Voting in favor: Blaszka, Gurneak, Emiliani, Visconti, Kanyuck-via phone
Opposed: None
MOTION CARRIED
TOWNSHIP ENGINEER
1. STRYKER’S ROAD
· His office previously completed the design plans for the project which was submitted to the NJDOT on June 1, 2005 to meet the deadline which was placed upon the Township by the NJDOT. It is important to note that since the project will be jointly bid with Warren County in the Spring of 2006, he has not done any project specifications at this time. This work will be coordinated with the County prior to the bidding of the project in 2006. He has been in recent contact with the County Engineering Department and will continue to move forward regarding the coordination of the bidding of this project and the preparation of project specifications.
· Engineer Finelli has been in recent contact with James Harding, NJDOT District I Region Manager, regarding the joint bidding and contractual procedures associated with the Township and Warren County jointly bidding this project. Mr. Harding indicated that the procedure is fairly straight forward and he would be forwarding all the necessary paperwork and supporting documents required by the NJDOT for a jointly bid project. At this time, it appears that the County will be the lead agency from a contractual standpoint. If that is indeed the case, the Township and County will need to enter into an Interlocal Agreement regarding the funding and contractual responsibilities of each entity.
· As per a request from the NJDOT, Engineer Finelli attended a meeting on April 10, 2006 between three (3) representatives from the NJDOT Local Aid Office and Dave Hicks, P.E., County Engineer. The purpose of this meeting was to review the timeline and logistical issues associated with the joint bidding of the project between Warren County and Greenwich Township. The County has been held up by their consultant regarding the completion and permitting requirements associated with the new culvert design for the section of Stryker’s Road crossing the Lopatcong Creek. For this project to be jointly bid, the County must secure the necessary NJDEP permits prior to the project going out to bid. Unfortunately, the County is behind schedule and is not in a position to bid the project at this time. At the April 10, 2006 meeting, Dave Hicks expressed to the NJDOT the importance of the Township and the County jointly bidding this project. He also explained the difficulties and delays the County has suffered relative to the culvert permitting. The NJDOT has agreed to extend the Township’s timeline so as to enable both projects to be bid jointly. As per his meeting and the timeline offered by Mr. Hicks, it appears that the project will not be bid until late Summer/early Fall with construction commencing this Fall, but most likely carrying over into 2007. Engineer Finelli will continue to keep the Committee apprised as timelines become more established.
· It is important to note that the design of the reconfigured traffic signal to facilitate a four-way signal at Dumont Road/Route 519/Rath’s driveway has been completed by Lublanecki Engineering Inc. and his office. The plans for the traffic signal have been previously approved by the County. The County has forwarded the plans to the NJDOT for their approval of the reconfigured traffic signal. At this juncture, the County is expecting the NJDOT to issue their approval for the reconfigured signal very soon. He will continue to work with both Walt Lublanecki, P.E. (the Township’s Traffic Engineer who also designed the existing traffic signal for the County) and the County Engineer’s Office regarding this matter.
· Please note that the current design plan which were submitted to the NJDOT includes both a left turn at Stryker’s Road onto CR 519 North and a relocated “exit-only” driveway from Rath’s Deli to a reconfigured four-way traffic signal directly across from Dumont Road. This design was the culmination of numerous meetings and reviews by the Warren County Engineering Department.
2. WYNDHAM FARM
· The previous litigation has now been settled and the project and associated improvements are presently covered under the maintenance bond as per the settlement agreement between the Township and MRC. His office is still involved with this project from an overall administrative standpoint with regards to such items as sinkhole remediation, tree replacement and other bonded improvements.
· To remind the Township Committee, per the settlement agreement with M. Rieder, the maintenance bond for the majority of the site improvements (excluding sinkholes) was due to expire on March 15, 2006. However, since the maintenance bond default punchlists has been received by M. Rieder’s bonding company in advance of the expiration date, it is his understanding that the maintenance bonds will remain in full force and effect until final acceptance and release of same is authorized by his office.
· The field work was completed by his office and the formal notice to the bonding company regarding the various deficient items discovered during inspection was sent (via certified mail) on March 3, 2006. All Township Committee Members, Kim Viscomi, Brent Carney and Michael DiMarco should have received copies of the letter and punchlists. His office has been contacted by M. Rieder Companies regarding the maintenance bond default notice and are currently in the process of scheduling a field meeting to review the various deficient items in an effort to secure final acceptance of all improvements. Engineer Finelli will continue to keep the Committee apprised of this matter as we proceed.
3. NEW JERSEY STATE STORMWATER MANAGEMENT REGULATIONS
· The regulations has been long-since adopted and here effective as of February 2, 2004. The Township had previously received their Municipal Stormwater Regulation Program Requirements package from the NJDEP. He has received the approved stormwater general permit from the NJDEP. The permit # is NJPDES: NJG0153842/PI ID#: 198015. The Effective Date of Permit Authorization (EDPA) was April 1, 2004.
· Joe Nalio of his office has been working on the various aspects and details associated with the implementation of the requirements of the stormwater management regulations. In that capacity, Joe has developed a manual for the Township DPW’s use in conjunction with their reporting of the various tasks they are responsible for as per the new stormwater management regulations. Joe Nalio has met with both Kimberly Viscomi, Township Clerk, and John Hohell, DPW Superintendent, in an effort to review the manual and discuss the implementation of the regulations and the Township’s responsibilities for same. Joe and Engineer Finelli will continue to coordinate with both Kim Viscomi and John Howell as we continue to move forward towards the ultimate compliance with the permit and the new SWM regulations.
· The Township previously received a Compliance Evaluation and Assistance Inspection Report from the NJDEP. Included within the report was a summary of certain areas of non-compliance and a Notice of Violation (NOV) from the Township’s permit. His office has communicated with Mahboubeh Darian, the NJDEP’s liaison for the permit, regarding their report. It is his understanding that a multitude of NOVs has been issued by the State to a great number of municipalities. His office previously forwarded a response letter, dated February 14, 2006, to the NJDEP regarding the Township’s efforts and status relative to overall compliance with the NJDEP’s report and the permit. He anticipates and expects no further action from the NJDEP at this time. However, it is important to bear in mind that the Township will need to continue to move forward relative to full compliance with their SWM permit, including the preparation of a build-out analysis and SPPP which are currently being worked on by his office.
4. NEW FIRE HOUSE
· His office has completed considerable work on the Site Plan development phase of the project. When he is authorized by the Township Committee to resume work on the project, he will continue to coordinate with Tom Kocubinski’s office regarding the development of the construction drawings and overall project bid package. He is well over 80% complete with the design work associated with the Site Plan development phase of this project. At this juncture, his office has ceased work on the project until the budgetary issues associated with the entire project has been resolved. Based upon the prior action of the Township Committee to reserve a 20 Ac. exception area, the fire house will be situated within this 20 Ac. portion of the property.
5. GREENWICH STREET SIDEWALK EXT.: DAY CARE CENTER PROPERTY
· This section of sidewalk was completed as an extension to the Greenwich Street Bike Path, Phase II project as per the Committee’s approval at the November 10, 2005 meeting. The costs for this additional work here included within the vouchers and change orders for the Greenwich Street Bike Path, Phase II project. The Township was to be reimbursed by the property owner for this work. He was pleased to be notified that Skip Kelleher, Toll Brothers, previously forwarded a check to the Township in the amount of $10,734.00 for their share of the cost of the sidewalk across the “Day Care Center” lot frontage. At this juncture, this project is fully complete.
6. TOWNSHIP RECREATIONAL COMPLEX (HAMLEN PROPERTY)
· The Township Committee authorized his office to proceed with the design work associated with the new Township Recreational Complex at the August, 2005 Committee Meeting and as per his August 16, 2005 Memo to the Committee. Should any Members of the Township Committee has any questions regarding the scope of work in question, he recommended that you refer to his Memo, dated August 16, 2005, which details and outlines the various engineering design services, including the preparation of contract bid documents in conjunction with this project.
· His office was working on the design of the subject improvements and had achieved a point of design completion of approximately 50%. Committeeman Visconti had contacted his office in late February and advised us to Stop Work on the project pending the ultimate approval for the future funding of these recreational and field improvements. Since Committeeman Visconti has contacted him, he has ceased work on the project. Once the Township is again in a position to proceed, he will proceed with the completion of the design phase of the project at that time.