TOWNSHIP OF MAHWAH
WORK SESSION MEETING MINUTES
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2006
The meeting was called to order at 8:07PM by Council President DiGiulio who read the Open Public Meetings Act Statement as prescribed by law. Notice was advertised in The Record on July 21, 2006 stating this meeting would be held in the Municipal Offices, 475 Corporate Drive, Mahwah, New Jersey on Thursday, October 5, 2006 at 8:00PM.
Notice of this meeting is posted on the Municipal Bulletin Board. The minutes of this meeting shall be available in the Municipal Clerk’s Office.
Salute to the Flag
Present: Councilmembers Alderisio, DaPuzzo, DiGiulio, Kidd and Roth.
Absent: Councilmembers Hermansen and Larson.
Also present were Mayor Richard J. Martel, Business Administrator Brian Campion, Township Attorney’s Associate Nilufer DeScherer, Township Engineer Kevin Boswell, Township Engineer’s Associate Michael Kelly, Township Utility Engineer Gerard Spiesbach and Municipal Clerk Kathrine Coletta.
PUBLIC PORTION
On a motion by Roth, seconded by Kidd, the meeting was opened to the public at 8:08PM. All in favor. Motion carried.
Mr. Mike Devine of 28 Riverview Terrace referred to articles he has been reading in the newspapers on the renovations to the Police Department. Mr. Devine feels it is a good thing for the Township to make an investment in their human resources.
On a motion by Roth, seconded by Alderisio, the meeting was closed to the public at 8:13PM. All in favor. Motion carried.
SUBMISSION OF BILLS AND CLAIMS
Any Councilmember with questions on the Bills and Claims was asked to contact Administration prior to the Public Meeting on October 12, 2006.
ENGINEERING (Boswell-McClave)
1a. Wyckoff Avenue and Forest Road Intersection Improvements; Project Update
The Township Engineer reported he has been speaking to the County on the rideability of the
surface on Wyckoff Avenue. The County has not made their final determination. Several spot
repairs have been made. Final decision expected within 2 weeks.
Work Session Meeting Minutes
October 5, 2006
Page 2
Kidd questioned if the landscaping in the area is completed as he is displeased with it in the area
of the guard rails. The Township Engineer responded the guard rails are required by Code. The
Township Engineer further stated he shall approach the DEP and ask that the guard rails be
removed for esthetic reasons.
1b. Written Status Report
Young World Day School: Meetings have been held with the school and the Engineer to review
the sign locations. To meet the state requirements one of the signs needs to be placed on a
homeowner’s property. A location in the right-of-way was not feasible. The school has been
notified to contact the property owner to obtain an easement for the placement of the sign.
Salt Shed: the foundation and pre-caste concrete walls have been installed. The structure has
been delivered to the site. Installation of the structure is anticipated to begin on Tuesday.
Anticipate taking about 1 week to install structure. Final asphalt surface course has been
applied. Once the structure is erected, the Department of Public Works can begin to use the
structure for salt storage. The Township Engineer expects to meet the November 1st deadline
for completion.
Road Program: The Program is near completion. Punch List items are being addressed. Few
sections of curb are being installed. Anticipate being under the amount awarded for the project
by about $6,000.
DiGiulio have been approached by several residents about dark areas which are lacking street
lights in town. She asked for a review of the street lighting within the Township. The Township
Engineer interjected that the County, State, etc. do not have mandated lighting
levels. The Township Engineer suggested consulting the Police Department for input.
DiGiulio pointed out 3 years ago the design for Veteran’s Park was completed. DiGiulio asked
the status. The Township Engineer answered they have a pending request into the County for
funding. Together with Administration the Township Engineer is searching for any available
grants.
Bus Shelter: DiGiulio stated the weather will be turning cold soon and there is no bus shelter.
Council previously discussed the subject and a location could not be reached. DiGiulio asked
Council to think about a location.
Alderisio commented that he went up to Ridge Road and Lydia Lane. He said there is no area
between the curb and the sidewalk to erect a street pole. The pole would have to be on the
Work Session Meeting Minutes
October 5, 2006
Page 3
property. He surmises the light would not be helpful due to the trees and vegetation blocking
the light.
Flooding – Alexandra Court: The Township Engineer’s Associate reported the DEP has asked
for additional information. The Army Corps. Of Engineers has provided most of the information
at no cost to the Township. Presently, the Township Engineer’s Associate is waiting for one item
from the Army Corps. Of Engineers.
1c.Developer’s Agreement; Center for Food Action; Ridge Road; Block 135, Lot 54.02
(Dkt. #479)
Resolution shall be prepared for the October 12, 2006 Public Meeting.
UTILITY ENGINEER (Malcolm Pirnie)
2a. Proposal; Diversion Permit Renewal
The Township Utility Engineer reported the Township’s current permit expires on July 31, 2007.
Roth questioned how many hours are involved. The Township Utility Engineer shall respond back to Council with a memorandum.
2b. Written Progress Report
Test Well 18A: The driller has received the necessary permits. Mobilization scheduled for Monday. Will take 3 to 4 weeks to set well. Estimate sometime in November to perform Pump Test.
Stage 5 Sewers: nearing finalization. Technical memorandum shall be provided to Administration shortly addressing the alignment, pressure, etc. Cost estimate in the process of being updated.
Initial Distribution Evaluation Plan: Requirement was to have to EPA by October 1st. Confirmation has been received that the EPA has the Plan. Official notification from EPA not expected for several months.
Hydroulic Model: all information has been input. Scenarios have been ran. The Township Utility Engineer offered to provide a demonstration of the system at an upcoming Council Meeting.
Tudor Rose Booster Station: the Operations Technician was at the station last Friday for about 4 hours performing various tests. Verification has been made that the system is running according to the original design parameters.
Work Session Meeting Minutes
October 5, 2006
Page 4
ADMINISTRATION
3a.Authorization to Utilize County of Bergen Cooperative Pricing Contracts
Resolution shall be prepared for the October 12, 2006 Public Meeting.
3b. Mayoral Appointment; Recreation Committee
Resolution shall be prepared for the October 12, 2006 Public Meeting.
3c. Request To Amend Township Code 2-13.6 “Recreation Committee”
Mayor requested item be carried.
On a motion by DaPuzzo, seconded by Kidd, the meeting was opened to the public. All in favor. Motion carried.
Mr. Ward Donigian, Chairman of the Recreation Committee, advised Council at the last Recreation Committee Meeting it was the consensus of the Committee to add two additional Members to the Committee – an Alternate 1 and 2 – bringing the total number of members to 9.
On a motion by Roth, seconded by DaPuzzo, the meeting was closed to the public. All in favor. Motion carried.
Roth questioned if the Alternate 1 and 2 would be voting members. Mayor Martel answered the alternates could vote in the absence of 1 of the 7 members.
Mayor Martel requested this item be carried in order to allow time for him to discuss the proposed change with the Recreation Committee.
3d. Disposal of Fixed Assets
Resolution shall be prepared for the October 12, 2006 Public Meeting.
3e. Request for Authorization to Award Bids
1. MTB-06-27: Police Uniforms
Resolution shall be prepared for the October 12, 2006 Public Meeting.
3f. Authorization to Award Contracts
1. HVAC Maintenance
2. Computer Maintenance, Repair and Upgrades
Individual Resolutions on the above two contracts shall be prepared for the October 12, 2006 Public Meeting.
Work Session Meeting Minutes
October 5, 2006
Page 5
3g. Rezoning Request; Zoccoli Associates; Fairmount and Edison Roads; Block 173,
Lots 109, 111, 115, 116, 118 and 120
The Business Administrator explained the Applicant is presently before the Zoning Board of Adjustment. Mr. Sinsini, Attorney for the Applicant, was present.
Roth questioned if the rezoning is the consensus of the residents.
Straw poll vote was taken on whether or not Council intends to move forward with the request: Alderisio, yes; DaPuzzo, yes; Hermansen, absent; Kidd, yes; Larson, absent; Roth, yes; DiGiulio, yes.
The Business Administrator shall notify the persons involved.
3h. Auction; 247 Airmont Avenue Report
The Business Administrator reported no bids were received at the Bid Opening recently held. The minimum bid price was $540,000. Suggestion was made to authorize Administration to rebid with a lower minimum price.
Roth suggested a display advertisement be placed in the newspaper. The Business Administrator responded two legal advertisements were placed in two different newspapers as well as display advertisements.
Administration recommended re-advertising legal advertisement and display advertisements and also reducing the price of the property.
Kidd asked to have a Real Estate Professional sell the property.
The Mayor questioned if the Township uses the services of a broker could the Township still have a Public Auction. The Township Attorney’s Associate answered yes.
Kidd asked to have the period of the auction window held open for 30 days. The Township Attorney’s Associate shall research.
DaPuzzo questioned if the expenses of selling the property are inherited by the Township or are they proportioned between the County, Green Acres and the Township. The Business Administrator asked for the Township Attorney’s Associate to research this item.
Straw poll to amend Ordinance, lower minimum price and re-advertise for bids.
Work Session Meeting Minutes
October 5, 2006
Page 6
The Township Attorney’s Associate pointed out that in the Ordinance a statement may be included to say the minimum price will be set by Resolution.
Ordinance shall be introduced at the October 12, 2006 Public Meeting.
3i. Request to Waive Township Fees; The Center For Food Action
DaPuzzo understands that the property is owned by the Board of Education and therefore there are no fees.
Council concurred to withdraw request.
TOWNSHIP COUNCIL and MUNICIPAL CLERK
4a.Requests for Appointments of Junior Firefighters
1. Monty Butler to Fire Company #4
2. James L. Mordaga to Fire Company #4
3. James Giannella to Fire Company #4
4. John Vincent Moroz to Fire Company #4
5. Peter Paragiardakis to Fire Company #1
6. Adrian D. Douglas to Fire Company #1
7. Gregory Smith to Fire Company #1
8. Greg Wall to Fire Company #1
9. Ralph Antonelli to Fire Company #1
Individual Resolutions for the above mentioned Junior Firefighters shall be prepared for the October 12, 2006 Public Meeting.
4b. Request for Appointment of Firefighter Nicole M. Walker to Fire Company #1
Resolutions hall be prepared for the October 12, 2006 Public Meeting.
4c. Raffle Application; PTO Dater School (On-Premise)
Raffle Application tentatively approved. Final approval shall be voted on at the October 12, 2006 Public Meeting.
Council concurred to move the Public Portion of the Meeting to before Closed Session.
PUBLIC PORTION
On a motion by DaPuzzo, seconded by Roth, the meeting was opened to the public at 9:43PM. All in favor. Motion carried.
Work Session Meeting Minutes
October 5, 2006
Page 7
On a motion by Alderisio, seconded by DaPuzzo, the meeting was closed to the public at 9:44PM. All in favor. Motion carried.
CLOSED SESSION
On a motion by Roth, seconded by DaPuzzo, Council went into closed session at 9:45PM for the express purposes of discussing Monthly Litigation Report, Contract Negotiations; PBA Contract and Contract Negotiations; General Contractor – Police Building Renovations. All in favor. Motion carried.
On a motion by Roth, seconded by Alderisio, Council returned to open session at 10:45PM. All in favor. Motion carried.
DiGiulio reminded Council the photograph of the Mayor and Council will be taken next Thursday, October 12, 2006 at 7:30PM here in the Council Chambers.
On a motion by Roth, seconded by Alderisio, the meeting was adjourned at 10:46PM. All in favor. Motion carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Kathrine G. Coletta, RMC/CMC
Municipal Clerk