March 20, 2003
7:30 PM
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, Committeewoman Deborah Pasquarelli, Township Attorney Peter Jost, Township Engineer Michael Finelli, Chief Financial Officer Gregory DellaPia, 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.”
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. Approval of Township Minutes of: February 20, 2003 and Executive Session minutes of February 20, 2003.
2. Receive, and File Monthly Reports:
Tax Collector Planning Board
Municipal Court Treasurer
Police Report Building Department Report
3. Receive, Charge to Various Accounts, and Pay Monthly Bills
Committeewoman Pasquarelli made a motion, seconded by Committeeman Marchetta to approve the above listed Consent Agenda
Voting in favor: Pasquarelli, Mallory, Marchetta, Emiliani, Blaszka
Opposed: None
MOTION CARRIED
1. Approval of Township Minutes:
Regular Minutes: January 16, 2003, February 20, 2003
Executive Session: January 16, 2003 February 20, 2003
Mayor Blaszka made a motion, seconded by Committeewoman Emiliani to approve the January 16, 2003 regular minutes and Executive Session minutes of January 16, 2003.
Voting in favor: Pasquarelli, Marchetta, Emiliani, Blaszka
Opposed: None
Abstain: Mallory
MOTION CARRIED
Committeewoman Pasquarelli made a motion, seconded by Committeewoman Emiliani to remove the approved February 20, 2003 regular minutes to amend to include the letter read into the minutes regarding the traffic signal and courtesy busing from the Greenwich Township School Board and also February 20, 2003 Executive Session minutes.
Voting in favor: Pasquarelli, Mallory, Marchetta, Emiliani, Blaszka
Opposed: None
MOTION CARRIED
PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD
Committeewoman Emiliani made a motion, seconded by Committeeman Mallory to open the meeting to the public for public comment period.
Voting in favor: Pasquarelli, Mallory, Marchetta, Emiliani, Blaszka
Opposed: None
MOTION CARRIED
Gary Hill Captain of the Greenwich Township Emergency Squad -distributed to the Township committee proposed draft copy of their standard operating procedures in response to the United States Homeland Security alert level changes. He informed the Township committee that the ambulances will stay within the Township or would assist other municipalities in response to a national emergency.
Thomas Andrews of 328 Greenwich Street – Contractor - informed the Township committee that a rumor was being circulated that the Township building department was being dissolved. He stated that this would be moving backwards instead of forward. He informed that the state already has too much to do. He informed that having the state inspectors come out and do an inspection is very hard to obtain. It takes double the time to have an inspection vs. the service that they've receive from the Township building department.
Steve Haberl - 202 Curtiss Court / Contractor-informed the Township committee that he too has dealt with the state inspector and has had trouble with them getting to the jobsite for an inspection. He has worked in various towns throughout the area and has also had this problem with the state in getting inspections.
John Howell – Employee of Greenwich Township – informed the Township committee that he is appalled that the building department employees had to find out of the possibility that this department was being dissolved from outside sources. They should have been told prior to this meeting of the pending action.
Michael Campion of 764 Jackson Road – He stated that the Township Inspector came out to his residence in a timely manner. He stated that the State Inspectors are not good.
Mark Fiornacari of Harmony Township who is also the part-time building and sub code official for Greenwich Township. He stated that he lives of Harmony Township and has also had to deal with the state inspectors. He informed that the inspections took extra time to receive. He stated that the fees that are paid from the permits pays for the salaries of the employees. It does not cost the Township any money to run this department. He stated that the state is not easy to deal with and that the state agencies do not want to take over any more towns. He stated that keeping the building department in the Township would be in assets to the residents. He informed that he works part time for Pohatcong Township as a part-time building inspector.
Chip Pfeiffer of Beacon Street – informed the Township committee that he has lived in Stewartsville for the past 20 years. His opinion is that it should stay the way it is.
Committeewoman Emiliani made a motion, seconded by Committeeman Mallory to close the public comment period.
Voting in favor: Pasquarelli, Mallory, Marchetta, Emiliani, Blaszka
Opposed: None
MOTION CARRIED
TOWNSHIP ATTORNEY
Resolution 2003 – 31 Formal Written Policy regarding damage to Postal Reception Devices by DPW snowplows.
Committeeman Mallory made a motion, seconded by Committeewoman Emiliani to approve resolution 2003-31
Voting in favor: Pasquarelli, Mallory, Marchetta, Emiliani, Blaszka
Opposed: None
MOTION CARRIED
SECOND READING/PUBLIC HEARING
ORDINANCE 2003-04
AN ordinance amending the revised in general ordinances of the Township of Greenwich regarding regulations for parks, playgrounds and recreational areas.
Committeewoman Pasquarelli made a motion, seconded by Committeeman Mallory to open the meeting to the public regarding Ordinance 2003-04
Voting in favor: Pasquarelli, Mallory, Marchetta, Emiliani, Blaszka
Opposed: None
MOTION CARRIED
Committeewoman Emiliani made a motion, seconded by Committeeman Mallory to close the public hearing regarding Ordinance 2003-04
Voting in favor: Pasquarelli, Mallory, Marchetta, Emiliani, Blaszka
Opposed: None
MOTION CARRIED
Committeeman Mallory made a motion, seconded by Committeewoman Pasquarelli to adopt Ordinance 2003-04
Voting in favor: Pasquarelli, Mallory, Emiliani, Blaszka
Opposed: Marchetta
MOTION CARRIED
First Reading
ORDINANCE 2003-07
AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWNSHIP OF GREENWICH, COUNTY OF WARREN AND STATE OF NEW JERSEY, PROVIDING FOR THE INDEMNIFICATION AND/OR LEGAL DEFENSE OF CERTAIN MUNICIPAL OFFICIALS AND EMPLOYEES IN THE EVENT OF CERTAIN KINDS OF CIVIL LIABILITY
Committeewoman Emiliani made a motion, seconded by Committeewoman Pasquarelli to introduce for first reading Ordinance 2003-07
Voting in favor: Pasquarelli, Mallory, Marchetta, Emiliani, Blaszka
Opposed: None
MOTION CARRIED
TOWNSHIP ENGINEER
1. Stryker’s Road
Lublanecki Alternatives Analysis Study
Update from 3/7/03 meeting with County
Request for Authorization to Develop Cost Estimate Comparison
Engineer Finelli reported that the Lublanecki study was presented last month. Finelli, Blaszka, Lublanecki attended a meeting last month with the County. They reviewed the different alignments that he presented and discussed the existing realignment project. The County endorsed our ideas and then they discussed the cost factor. His feeling is the cost is going to be much greater and take us out of the possibility with the grant money from the NJDOT. This could be a possibility, not confirmed. The next step in the process is to meet with the NJDOT regarding our grant status. We have $340,000 earmarked for this project. We are to award this contract by June 2004.
Committeewoman Pasquarelli made a motion, seconded by Committeeman Mallory to authorize Engineer Finelli to prepare a preliminary cost analysis to design this road not to exceed $1,000.
Voting in favor: Pasquarelli, Mallory, Marchetta, Emiliani, Blaszka
Opposed: None
MOTION CARRIED
2. Future Dedications
Greenwich Chase, Phase 7
Greenfields @ Greenwich, Section III
Wyndham Farm
North Side (Sections 2B, 4 & 5)
South Side (Sections 1, 2A & 3)
Engineer Finelli reported no change in the status of dedication. He did receive a fax from M. Rieder requesting a meeting to go over recent punch list for Wyndham Farms. He also spoke with Alex Falcinelli regarding the Greenfields @ Greenwich III development; this is to be discussed in executive session. He also informed that he met with Ken Lucas from Toll Brothers to go over punch list.
3. Updated Farmland Preservation Plan
Final Plan forwarded to Committee on 2/25/03
Engineer Finelli reported – finalized last month the maps were forwarded to the Committee.
4. Greenwich Center
Phase I Blasting Impacts Analysis Update
Engineer Finelli reported speaking with a consultant once a week for the past month, to date no report has been received. Should have by April meeting
5. Merrill Creek Flood Plain Revision Update
Engineer Finelli reported progress has been made told by FEMA representative that within 2/3 weeks would receive an update when the maps will be completed and should be shortly.
6. Greenwich Street / Wyndham Farm Boulevard Pedestrian Crossing
School Crossing Plan sent to County Engineer for approval 3/7/03
Engineer Finelli reported that there is good news. Received a letter from the County informing that they are endorsing our proposal. This is now being forwarded to the State for their approval.
Resolution 2003-30 – To Install and Maintain Two Flashing School Speed Limit Signs on County Route #638 at the Intersection of Wyndham Farm Boulevard
Committeewoman Emiliani made a motion, seconded by Committeewoman Pasquarelli to approve Resolution 2003-30
Voting in favor: Pasquarelli, Mallory, Marchetta, Emiliani, Blaszka
Opposed: None
MOTION CARRIED
7. Greenwich Street Bike Path Update
Design is proceeding within next month should be ready to go to bid
8. County Route 637 Speed Limit Reduction Request
Previously Committee had authorized him to send a letter to the County requesting a speed limit reduction on County Rt. 637. He informed that the County has denied our request.
9. Phillipsburg Regional Wastewater Management Plan (WMP) Update
Received notification that there is another meeting in Trenton scheduled for 4/29, they would like to see the finished products by then. This meeting is with the 5 affected municipalities. They will be reviewing our map and working on making all towns consistent.
10. Dumont Road & Stryker’s Road Turning Movement Restrictions
Update on Left Turn Restrictions
Update on Traffic Signal (Dumont Road/County Route 519)
The left turn restrictions have been implemented at those intersections. Sergeant Bolmer was not happy with the signage. Chief Willever got additional signage from the County. He stated that the motorists are slowly starting to get the hang of this. He inquired from the County as to the status of the traffic signal; County informed that it should be done by summer.
11. Pending New Jersey State Storm water Management Regulations Update
No change since last month. Comment period has been extended.
OTHER BUSINESS
Mayor Blaszka
Warren County Strategic Growth Plan Update
Mayor Blaszka informed that there are representatives from the Township that have been attending the meetings at the County. He stated that adjustments need to be made to the plan based on the projections. He informed that there is a website which is: www.warrengrowth.org. Committeewoman Pasquarelli informed that she has been involved with this project since 2000. She stated that the population estimates for Greenwich are not accurate. Stated that many of the things that are going to come out of this plan Greenwich Township is already doing.
School Update
Phillipsburg High School State Demonstration Discussion – Resolution 2003-24
Committeewoman Pasquarelli made a motion, seconded by Committeewoman Pasquarelli to approve Resolution 2003-24
Voting in favor: Pasquarelli, Mallory, Marchetta, Emiliani, Blaszka
Opposed: None
MOTION CARRIED
Budget Update
The Township Committee will be conducting a workshop meeting scheduled for March 25, 2003 at 7:00 p.m. Mayor Blaszka encouraged the residents to attend the budget workshop meetings to be informed on the municipal budget.
Paying on Bills
Mayor Blaszka inquired as to the status of everyone signing the vouchers. The clerk informed that each Committee person has been assigned a color-coded file for the departments that they are responsible for signing.
· Mayoral Proclamation: National Bone and Joint Decade
March 21, 2002 through March 21, 2011
First Reading
BOND ORDINANCE
2003-05
BOND ORDINANCE TO AUTHORIZE THE ACQUISITION OF REAL PROPERTY FOR ATHLETIC FIELDS, PARK AREAS, OPEN SPACE, AGRICULTURAL PRESERVATION AND OTHER MUNICIPAL PURPOSES IN, BY AND FOR THE TOWNSHIP OF GREENWICH, IN THE COUNTY OF WARREN, STATE OF NEW JERSEY, TO APPROPRIATE THE SUM OF $1,800,000 TO PAY THE COST THREOF, TO MAKE A DOWN PAYMENT, TO AUTHORIZE THE ISSUANCE OF BONDS TO FINANCE SUCH APPROPRIATION AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE ISSUANCE OF BOND ANTICIPATION NOTES IN ANITICIPATION OF THE ISSUANCE OF SUCH BONDS
Resolution 2003-29 – Approving first reading of Bond Ordinance 2003-05
Committeeman Marchetta made a motion, seconded by Committeewoman Emiliani to approve Resolution 2003-29
Voting in favor: Pasquarelli, Mallory, Marchetta, Emiliani, Blaszka
Opposed: None
MOTION CARRIED
Fee Schedule
A revised fee schedule has been provided for the Committee to review. Attorney Jost informed that some of the items listed on this fee schedule have to be changed by ordinance. It was decided to approve the fee schedule as a resolution #2003-32 and if need be change the fees by ordinance is necessary at a later date.
Committeewoman Pasquarelli made a motion, seconded by Committeeman Marchetta to approve Resolution 2003-32
Voting in favor: Pasquarelli, Mallory, Marchetta, Emiliani, Blaszka
Opposed: None
MOTION CARRIED
Setting the Agenda
Township Clerk requested from the Committee if instead of sending agenda items the Friday before the meeting, if possible to have Committee agenda items the week before the meeting on that Monday. This would allow any necessary items to be researched and prepared and also would allow to have the draft completed the Friday before the meeting for the Committee to review.
Pohatcong Creek Project
Committeeman Mallory stated that there was confusion from Old Greenwich Church with requirements that needed to be met regarding conditional approval moving forward to final approve from the Planning Board. Committeeman Mallory and Committeewoman Pasquarelli spoke with members of the church and came up with an agreeable plan for everyone. There were some conditions on easements that didn’t make sense from a church perspective.