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Minutes from the August 16, 2010 Public Meeting                             

of the South Plainfield Mayor and Council

The meeting was called to order at 8:00pm by Mayor Butrico in accordance with the Open Public Meetings Act, N.J.S.A. 10:4-6, with adequate notice of this meeting of the Borough Council being provided to the borough’s two official newspapers and also published on the Borough’s website. 

Clerk Graf called the roll.  Present were Council Members: Anesh, Bengivenga, Buteas, McConville, Rusnak, and Salerno.  Also present were Administrator Glenn Cullen, Borough Engineer Len Miller, Borough Attorney Paul Rizzo and Borough Clerk Joann Graf.

Mr. Rusnak made a motion to accept the Minutes of July 19, 2010 - Agenda and Public Meetings, seconded by Mr. Bengivenga

YES: Bengivenga, Buteas, McConville, Rusnak, Salerno, Anesh      MOTION CARRIED

Mr. Bengivenga made a motion to accept the Minutes July 26, 2010 Special Council Meeting  & Executive meeting, seconded by Mr. Rusnak

YES:  Bengivenga, Buteas, McConville, Rusnak, Anesh       MOTION CARRIED

RECUSE:   Salerno     

Mayor Butrico opened the meeting for public comment on agenda items only.  Seeing none, the Mayor called for Ordinance # 1890A.

Ms. Graf read Ordinance # 1890A by title only for Public Hearing and final adoption.

#1890A entitled: Bond Ordinance amending section 3a of Bond Ordinance No. 1890 of the

     Borough of South Plainfield, in the County of Middlesex, New Jersey finally

     adopted May 3, 2010 in order to amend the description of the project and

     to re-appropriate $55,000 proceeds of obligations not needed

     for their original and other improvements and improvements

     to Cherry Street.

BE IT ORDAINED BY THE BOROUGH COUNCIL OF THE BOROUGH OF SOUTH PLAINFIELD, IN THE COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX, NEW JERSEY (not less than two-thirds of all members thereof affirmatively concurring) as follows:

            Section One.   Section 3(a) of Bond Ordinance numbered 1890 of the Borough of South Plainfield, in the County of Middlesex, New Jersey (the “Borough”), finally adopted May 3, 2010 is hereby amended to read as follows:

“(a)  New Market Avenue road, curb, driveway apron, ADA and other improvements and improvements to Cherry Street, including all work and materials necessary therefor and incidental thereto.”

Section Two.    Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:2-39, it is hereby determined that $55,000
of the proceeds of obligations originally made available pursuant to bond
ordinance #1827 of the Borough, finally adopted July 14, 2008 is no longer
necessary for Linden Avenue and other related improvements for which
the obligations previously were authorized.

        Section Three.  The $55,000 described in Section Two and made available pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:2-39 is hereby re-appropriated to provide for the purpose described in Section One hereof

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Section Four.       The Borough hereby certifies that it has adopted a capital budget or a temporary capital budget, as applicable. The capital or temporary capital budget of the Borough is hereby amended to conform with the provisions of this ordinance to the extent of any inconsistency herewith.  To the extent that the purposes authorized herein are inconsistent with the adopted capital or temporary capital budget, a revised capital or temporary capital budget has been filed with the Division of Local Government Services.

        Section Five.     This bond ordinance shall take effect 20 days after the first publication thereof after final adoption, as provided by the Local Bond Law.

Mr. Bengivenga made a motion to adopt Ordinance # 1890A, seconded by Mr. McConville.

As this is a final reading, Mayor Butrico opened the public hearing on Ordinance # 1890A.

There were public comments so Mayor Butrico closed the Public Hearing and called for a

vote on the ordinance.

YES: Bengivenga, Buteas, McConville, Rusnak, Salerno, Anesh      MOTION CARRIED

Ms. Graf read Ordinance # 1900 by title only on first reading for introduction as follows:

#1900 entitled: An Ordinance Amending Chapter 84 Entitled “Police Department” of The

Code of the Borough of South Plainfield

Mr. Bengivenga made a motion to adopt Ordinance # 1900, seconded by Mr. Rusnak.

YES: Bengivenga, Buteas, McConville, Rusnak, Salerno, Anesh      MOTION CARRIED

Mr. Anesh made a motion to approve Resolutions 10-205, 206 and 208 through 10-223, seconded by Mr. Bengivenga which all begin with BE IT RESOLVED BY THE GOVERNING BODY OF THE BOROUGH OF SOUTH PLAINFIELD, NEW JERSEY, THAT:

#10-205

WHEREAS, Plainfield Associates has applied for a release of a performance bond posted for public improvements to Block 254, Lot 2.02 (Oak Tree Ave and Park Ave); and

WHEREAS, the Borough Engineer has certified all required public improvements to the property have been installed; and

WHEREAS, the requirements and conditions of Borough Ordinance # 762 have been complied with as to filing and serving of notice; and

WHEREAS, the Borough Engineer has recommended that the performance bond in the form of the Surety Bond of $851,796.54 and a check in the amount of $94,644.06  be released upon the posting of a two year maintenance bond of $2,450.00 and the payment of any outstanding engineering escrow fees or COAH fees; and

WHEREAS, the Governing Body held a public hearing on Monday, August 16, 2010 and there were no objections filed against the release of said bond.

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the above stated performance bond be released and the posting of a maintenance bond be waived.

#10-206

WHEREAS, Acting Police Chief Paul Brembt has indicated his intention to retire effective April 1, 2011; and

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NOW, THEREFORE, the Governing Body of the Borough of South Plainfield hereby accepts the notice of retirement by Acting Police Chief Paul Brembt, effective April 1, 2011.

#10-208

the Chief Financial Officer is hereby authorized to issue a refund check to Josiah Cooperation

for a Fire permit fee of $42.00 that was unable to be used at the Vendor Day Charity

Fundraiser for the Plainfield Area Humane Society held on Saturday, July 24^th at the PAL. 

#10-209

WHEREAS, the Borough of South Plainfield in need of the professional services of  a landscape architect as part of the joint County/Borough New Brunswick Avenue project; and 

WHEREAS the Local Public Contracts Law (N.J.S.A. 40A:11-1 et seq.) requires that a resolution authorizing the award of  a contract as “Professional Services” without competitive bidding must be publicly advertised:

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Governing Body of the Borough of South Plainfield as follows:

1. The Mayor and Municipal Clerk are hereby authorized to execute an agreement with

    Henry Hinterstein, 71 Eden Ave, Edison, NJ 08817-3836 to provide

    landscaping and landscape architecture associated with the New Brunswick avenue

    project.

2. This contract is being awarded pursuant to a fair and open process in accordance with

     N.J.S.A. 19:44A-20.4 et seq.

3. A copy of this resolution shall be published in The Observer as required by law within

    ten (10) days of its passage.

#10-210

WHEREAS, a vacancy will occur at the Recycling Center on August 24, 2010 and the Borough will need a replacement groundskeeper to fill the position; and

WHEREAS, it is the recommendation of the Recycling Program Coordinator to hire
Dan Adams;

NOW, THEREFORE, that the South Plainfield Borough Council hereby appoints Daniel Adams to the position of part time groundskeeper, effective August 24, 2010, at a rate of $11.07 per hour, excluding benefits.

#10-211

authorization is hereby given to waive the Fire Permit fee of $42.00 for borough organizations participating in the 2010 Labor Day festivities at the South Plainfield Middle School, on Monday, September 6, 2010.

#10-212

Angelo Strillacci is hereby hired as a part time, temporary Plumbing Subcode Official for the week of August 16 through August 20, 2010 at a rate of $36.00 per hour (20 hour max), to provide coverage for the regular Plumbing Subcode Official, Vinny Franchino, who will be on vacation.

#10-213

WHEREAS, the Tax Collector advises that the following taxpayers and/or their agents haveoverpaid their taxes and have requested refunds:

OWNER/ADDRESS

Block 229, Lot 29

Cesar Pratts

3138 Park Avenue

South Plainfield, NJ 07080                                                      $1233.74                                                                                                                                 

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NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Governing Body of the Borough of South

Plainfield that the Chief Financial Officer is hereby authorized to issue a check(s) in the

amount(s) as mentioned above.

#10-214

WHEREAS, the Borough of South Plainfield, County of Middlesex, State of New Jersey recognizes that the abuse of alcohol and drugs is a serious problem in our society amongst persons of all ages; and

WHEREAS, the Borough of South Plainfield further recognizes that it is incumbent upon not only public officials but upon the entire community to take action to prevent such abuse in our community; and

WHEREAS, the Borough of South Plainfield has applied for funding to the Governor’s Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse through the County of Middlesex;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Borough of South Plainfield, County of Middlesex, State of New Jersey that the Borough that:

1. The South Plainfield Borough Council does hereby authorize submission of an application for the South Plainfield Municipal Alliance grant for calendar year 2011 in the amount of $20,777.00, with a municipal match of $5,544.00.

2. The South Plainfield Borough Council acknowledges the terms and conditions for the administering of the Municipal Alliance grant, including the administrative compliance and audit requirements.

#10-215

a stipend of $1,211.00 is hereby approved for Jon Dean as Assistance Director of the

Office of Emergency Management, effective immediately.

#10-216

WHEREAS, the taxpayer, SP Fidelco I, LLC. (ATaxpayer@) has appealed the real estate tax assessment on its property located at 3474 S. Clinton Ave, also known as Block 467.03, Lot 1, for the tax years 2008, 2009 and 2010, in the Tax Court of the State of New Jersey, Docket Nos. 003339-2008, 002398-2009, 008845-2010; and

WHEREAS, the Borough appraiser opined that the property was over assessed for all three years under appeal and that in his opinion the assessments should be adjusted to a total tax assessment of $860,700 in 2008 (true value opinion of $2,320,000 x average ratio of 37.10%); a total tax assessment of $841,000 in 2009 (true value opinion of $2,320,000 x average ratio of 36.25%); and

WHEREAS, the taxpayer agreed to settle the tax appeals by accepting reductions of the total tax assessments in 2008, 2009 and 2010 to a total tax assessment of $922,300 in 2008 (true value opinion of $2,486,000 x average ratio of 37.10%); a total tax assessment of $901,300 in 2009 (true value opinion of $2,486,300 x average ratio of 36.25%); and a total tax assessment of $831,000 in 2010 (true value opinion of $2,405,900 x average ratio of 34.54%), all of which values exceed the opinions of value of the Borough’s appraiser; and

WHEREAS, the Stipulation of Settlement is annexed hereto and incorporated herein by this reference and has been reviewed and approved by the Borough Council; and

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WHEREAS, the taxpayer agreed to waive interest due on any refunds pursuant to N.J.S.A. 54:3-27.2 and will accept credits to be exhausted commencing with the first quarterly payment due after Judgment in lieu of refunds; and

WHEREAS, the Borough Tax Assessor and the Attorney for the Borough have reviewed and recommend the settlement to the Borough Council; and

WHEREAS, the aforesaid reductions in assessment have no general application to other properties within the Borough of South Plainfield as a result of the aforesaid specific fact situation; an

WHEREAS, the Borough Council leaves the allocation between land and improvements of the aforesaid tax assessment reductions to the Borough’s Assessor’s discretion with the direction that the same be set so as to be most beneficial to the Borough; and

WHEREAS, the Borough Council makes this settlement with the taxpayer without prejudice to its dealings with any other Borough taxpayers’ request for tax assessment reduction.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Borough Council of the Borough of South Plainfield, County of Middlesex, State of New Jersey, as follows:

1.      The Borough Tax Assessor is hereby directed to establish allocation between land and improvements of a $212,700 total tax assessment reduction for the 2008 tax year for Block 467.03, Lot 1, which is most beneficial to the Borough and advise the Borough Attorney of that allocation.

2.   The Borough Tax Assessor is hereby directed to establish allocation between land and improvements of a $233,700 total tax assessment reduction for the 2009 tax year for Block 467.03, Lot 1, which is most beneficial to the Borough and advise the Borough Attorney of that allocation.                                     

3.       The Borough Tax Assessor is hereby directed to establish allocation between land and improvements of a $304,000 total tax assessment reduction for the 2010 tax year for Block 467.03, Lot 1, which is most beneficial to the Borough and advise the Borough Attorney of that allocation.

4.   The Borough Attorney is hereby authorized to execute the Stipulation of Settlement, a copy of which is annexed hereto, relative to the tax appeals of SP Fidelco I, LLC vs. Borough of South Plainfield, Docket Nos. 003339-2008, 002398-2009, 008845-2010; which reduces the 2008 total tax assessment on block 467.03, lot 1 from $1,135,000 to $922,300; which reduces the 2009 total tax assessment from $1,135,000 to reduced total tax assessment of $901,300; which reduces the 2010 total tax assessment from $1,135,000 to reduced total tax assessment of $831,000; and which further provides that the allocation between the land and improvements as established by the Borough Tax Assessor shall be set forth in said Stipulation of Settlement;

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     which further provides that said taxpayer will waive interest on any refunds pursuant to N.J. S.A. 54:3-27.2 and accept credits in lieu of refunds to be exhausted starting with the first quarterly payment due after issue of a judgment.

5.   The settlement outlined above shall be without prejudice to the Borough of South Plainfield’s dealings with any other Borough taxpayers’ request for tax assessment reductions.

#10-217

Accept the resignation of Susan Diaz, 911 Telecommunications Operator effective immediately.

#10-218

WHEREAS, the following residents have completed the application process for membership in the South Plainfield Fire Department and are ready to be enrolled in fire school starting in September:

Nicholas A. Smith

906 Franklin Avenue

Nicholas A. Sacco

302 Amboy Avenue

Nicholas W. Figler

211 Chambers Street

Samantha Hogan

2043 Greenwich Street

Jurrien Kratz

1504 Central Avenue

WHEREAS, South Plainfield Fire Chief Larry Del Negro has recommended that these five residents be approved as probationary members of the South Plainfield Volunteer Fire Department effective 8/16/10.

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that Nicholas Smith, Nicholas Sacco, Nicholas Figler, Samantha Hogan, and Jurrien Kratz are hereby approved as Probationary members of the South Plainfield Volunteer Fire Department effective 8/16/10.

#10-219

WHEREAS, a request was made by Stephen & Connie Macellara to hold a block party on Sunday, September 5, 2010 on Revere Road, from May Ave to Putnam Road, from 12:00pm – 10:00pm; and

WHEREAS, Police, Fire and Rescue Squad have been notified and given their approval. 

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Governing Body of the Borough of South Plainfield that permission to hold said block party is hereby granted; and

FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED that copies of this resolution be given to the Police Department, Fire Department, Rescue Squad, Department of Public Works, Emergency Management and the applicant.

#10-220

WHEREAS, a request was made by James Gustafson to hold a block party on Saturday, September 18, 2010 on Selene Ave, from East Hendricks to Wexler Ave, from 12:00pm – 5:00pm; and

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WHEREAS, Police, Fire and Rescue Squad have been notified and given their approval. 

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Governing Body of the Borough of South Plainfield that permission to hold said block party is hereby granted; and

FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED that copies of this resolution be given to the Police Department, Fire Department, Rescue Squad, Department of Public Works, Emergency Management and the applicant

#10-221

WHEREAS, the Borough Fire Department has requested permission from the Governing Body to allow the Fire Department to construct a training prop on property owned by the Borough and utilized by the Department of Public Works, and to waive any local permit fees associated with construction of the training prop; and

WHEREAS, the construction of the training prop was designed by a New Jersey State licensed architect, will be “surface mounted” with no foundation due to the use of concrete filled “sonotubes”, which provide anchor points, and the cost of construction of the training prop will be paid with donations from local businesses, at no cost to the Borough, with minimal cost to maintain and conduct drills utilizing the prop; and

WHEREAS, the training prop will have multiple uses for training, will be located for Fire Department members under the supervision of Fire Department officers and can be utilized at any time without prior notice necessary.  The training prop will be located inside a secured fenced area of the DPW so it will be inaccessible to children or the general public, and based upon the intention to utilize the training prop several times per year, will save $2,000.00 to $3,000.00 per year, which otherwise would have been paid to the Middlesex County Fire Academy for similar training;

NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved by the Governing Body of the Borough of South Plainfield that the Borough Fire Department is granted leave to construct a training prop on Borough property, and any and all permit fees associated with construction shall be waived; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this permission is conditioned upon the Fire Department obtaining all necessary permits and approvals from the appropriate offices of the Borough.

#10-222

WHEREAS, by Ordinance No. 1597, dated July 15,2002, the Borough adopted the Redevelopment Plan for the Designated Redevelopment Area in the Vicinity of the Hamilton Boulevard Industrial Site (“Redevelopment Plan”), providing a conceptual plan for the redevelopment of the Hamilton Boulevard Industrial Site (“Redevelopment Area”); and,

WHEREAS, by Resolution dated December 6, 2004, the Borough designated Denholtz, SP, LLC as the conditional redeveloper of a portion of the redevelopment area consisting of Block 256, Lots 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13 as formerly designated on the official tax maps of the Borough for the purpose of entering into a Redevelopment Agreement setting forth the mutual rights and obligations of the Borough and the Redeveloper with respect to the Redevelopment of the project site; and,

WHEREAS, the Borough subsequently entered into an agreement with Denholtz as the developer entitled “Redevelopment Agreement for the Hamilton Boulevard Industrial Site in the Borough of South Plainfield, Middlesex County, New Jersey” dated as of August 18, 2005 (“Redevelopment Agreement”), setting forth the terms and conditions for Redevelopers implementation of the Redevelopment Plan on the project site; and,

WHEREAS, since the 2002 adoption of the Redevelopment Plan and the 2005 adoption of the Redevelopment Agreement, conditions have changed, namely the local, state, federal and global economy, as well as shifting consumer takes; and,

WHEREAS, the Borough and Denholtz both recognize that these changed circumstances necessitate amending the previously adopted Redevelopment Plan; and,

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WHEREAS, the Borough accordingly wishes to commence the process of amending said Redevelopment Plan.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Borough Council of the Borough of South Plainfield, County of Middlesex, State of New Jersey, as follows:

1.      The Borough Council hereby authorizes the Borough’s Planning Board Planner to prepare an Amendment to the Redevelopment Plan for the redevelopment area. 

2.      The Mayor and Borough Clerk are hereby authorized to execute such Agreements as are necessary to implement this Resolution.

3.      This Resolution shall take effect immediately.     

#10-223

Ordinance #1778 entitled: An Ordinance amending and supplementing Ordinance #1278 Entitled: “The Zoning Ordinance of The Borough of South Plainfield, 1992”, Regarding Billboards is hereby referred to the South Plainfield Planning Board for their review  and recommendations.

YES: Bengivenga, Buteas, McConville, Rusnak, Salerno, Anesh      MOTION CARRIED

Mr. Bengivenga made a motion to approve Resolution # 10-207, seconded by Mr. Rusnak as follows:

WHEREAS, Acting Chief of Police Paul Brembt has indicated his desire to retire from the South Plainfield Police Force effective September 10, 2010; and

WHEREAS, the Public Safety Committee has reviewed potential candidates to fill the position; and

WHEREAS, it is the recommendation of the Public Safety Committee and the Borough Administrator to appoint Captain James Parker to fill the position, and

WHEREAS, under Civil Service, the correct title is Provisional rather than Acting Chief;

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that Captain James Parker is hereby appointed to the position of Provisional Chief of Police, effective September 10, 2010 at a rate of $73.03 per hour.  Should the Provisional Chief  of Police becomes permanent then the salary will
be adjusted to be at least 5% greater than the Captain’s salary.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Resolution # 10-107 is hereby rescinded effective September 10^th.

YES: Bengivenga, Buteas, McConville, Rusnak, Salerno, Anesh      MOTION CARRIED

Mr. Rusnak made a motion to accept the correspondence as listed below, seconded by Mr. Salerno.

1.       Library Board Minutes – June 8, 2010

2.       Traffic Safety Advisory Commission Minutes – June 23, 2010

3.       Residents of Fairmount Ave – request speed humps installation

4.       SPHS Athletic Booster Club – request for Ad

5.       Environmental Commission Minutes – June 9, 2010

6.       Code Enforcement Monthly report – June 2010

7.       Building/Code Enforcement Financial Report – year to date

8.       Environmental Department Monthly Report – July 2010

9.       Ad Hoc Truck Route Committee Minutes – August 2010

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10.  John Wiley – Re:  Request Council to adopt meters and bounds description for

Dismal Swamp Conservation Commission.

      11. Recycling Dept. Monthly Report – July 2010

      12. Library Board Minutes – July 2010

YES: Bengivenga, Buteas, McConville, Rusnak, Salerno, Anesh      MOTION CARRIED

Mr. Anesh made a motion to approve the payment of bills as listed below, seconded by  Mr. Salerno:

        Current Fund - $914,276.06

Sewer Utility Operating Fund  -  $3.482.66 

        Pool Utility Operating Fund – $8,869.46 

       General Capital - $298,937.53

        Grant Fund - $8,247.59

       Treasurers Trust - $7,179.47

        Recreation Trust - $14,628.03

       TOTAL OF ALL FUNDS - $1,255,620.80

YES: Bengivenga, Buteas, McConville, Rusnak, Salerno, Anesh      MOTION CARRIED

Mr. Miller gave a summary report on the progress of current projects including bid solicitations for Bulky waste and Cherry Street, the Oak Tree Ave/Woodland Ave intersection and the need for authorization of appraisals.

Mr. Bengivenga asked Mr. Miller about the Maple Ave/Lakeview Ave intersection widening.  Mr. Miller will check with County and report back.

Mr. Cullen reported that handrails were installed in the main hall of Boro Hall to assist Seniors and others with difficulty walking.  He also reported that in response to the concerns of several residents along New Brunswick Ave, he sent a letter to County Engineer John Reiser asking for the County to provide a presentation to explain the project to our residents. The State approved copy of the Borough’s budget was received.  The poles were moved at the New Market Ave extension.  Mr. Cullen concluded by announcing that the Bulk waste brochures and the Compactor/Recycling Coupons are being printed and that the Coupons will be distributed along with the Leaf Bags beginning in October 

Mayor Butrico offered Cudos to the DPW staff for their great performance.  The Mayor said he has never received so many calls praising DPW and he acknowledged Supt. Bob Capparelli and his crew saying its like a different department. He thanked Bob Capparelli for his leadership.

Mr. Bengivenga reported progress.

Ms. Buteas announced the Town Cleanup planned for September 11^th.  She then asked Mr. Anesh about the placement of a sign at McKinley restricting left hand turns.  Next Ms. Buteas asked if the Charitable Clothing bins ordinance could be amended in order to limit the number of clothing bins.  Borough Attorney Rizzo will look into drafting the amendment. Ms. Buteas extended an invitation from the Economic Development Committee for a Meet and Greet Reception at TD Bank one evening in September ( date to be announced ).  She gave an update on the Labor Day Parade plans and was pleased to announce that the Public Celebrations Committee has raised $20,000 in donations to help underwrite the parade.  Ms. Buteas offered congratulations to Mayor Butrico on being selected Grand Marshall of this year’s parade.

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Mr. McConville offered congratulations to Captain James Parker on his promotion to Provisional Chief.

Mr. Salerno offered congratulation to Mayor Butrico on being selected as Grand Marshall and also to Captain Parker on his promotion to Provisional Chief.

Mr. Anesh gave on update on the Speed Hump policy and request forms.  He stated that he has been speaking with residents along New Brunswick Ave about the County project and hope to be able to disseminate information to them.  Mr. Anesh commented on the Swimathon which raised $2400.00.   He offered his congratulations to Mayor Butrico on being chosen Grand Marshall.

Mayor Butrico commented on the Senior Center picnic and the Summer Drama Workshop presentation.  He announced that CNN will be airing an interview the Mayor gave on  Petro Solar.  Mayor Butrico also announced that an shared service agreement has been worked out with Piscataway for use of their Sewer truck. Mayor Butrico announced the members of the new Library Study Committee. They are Mayor Butrico, Library Board President Eric Aronowitz and Library Board member Nina Rohrer, Borough Council members Chrissy Buteas and Rob Bengivenga, and borough  residents Bob Golon and Suzanne Lepore.

The Mayor then opened the meeting for comments from the public.

Frank Mikorski congratulated Mayor Butrico on his being selected Grand Marshall.  He also complimented the Mayor for publicly recognizing the DPW for their performance this year. Mr. Mikorski also congratulated Captain Parker on his upcoming promotion.  He asked about the John Wiley DSPC letter.  He also asked for a status report on Progressive insurance.  Mr. Mikorski concluded by commenting on personnel matters including contracts and allowing unlimited sick time and suggested the Council get the League of Municipalities surveys to assist with future negotiations.

Mayor Butrico added one item to his report, that being that the poles at the opening of the New Market extension have been removed

Les Bergen commented on the intersection at Woodland and Maple Ave and suggested that it be made a 4 way light.   The idea will be forwarded to Traffic Safety.

Paul McCullen thanked the Council for removing the tree at Spring Lake Park.  He commented on the trash and debris which was disbursed after the Mosquito Control did their sediment removal.  Ms. Buteas reported that she has scheduled a meeting with the County Parks Director regarding park cleanup.  Mr. McCullen also asked if temporary speed humps could be installed when Cherry St. is under construction.   He stated that he has about 50% of the residents of Walnut asking for speed humps.  He next asked whether the Walnut St / New Brunswick intersection would receive a light when the county widens New Brunswick Ave

Jake Cataldo voiced his concerns about the deteriorating maintenance of our town including the proper placement of garbage cans to the rear of the property, the need to limit clothing bins, and the increase of debris at the strip malls on Park Ave.  Mr. Cataldo asked for the council to address a growing problem with skateboarders and public safety. He also asked for clarification on outdoor cafes and why some are allowed and not other

Derryk White asked Ms. Buteas if she could ask the county at her meeting about the possibility of dredging the lake to avert flooding.

John Sorrentino, Chairman of Public Celebrations gave an update on the 2010 parade and  announced that the committee has raised $20,000 to offset parade costs.

Mayor Butrico closed the public portion and called for a motion to adjourn. Mr. Anesh made a motion to adjourn; seconded by Mr. Rusnak.

Respectfully Submitted,

Joann L. Graf,
RMC Municipal Clerk