Contact:
Borough Clerk Lori Cole (732) 229-1756
Category: CAUCUS MEETINGS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE West Long Branch, NJ - July 9, 2010
June 16, 2010
6:30 PM
A caucus meeting of the Mayor and Council of the Borough of West Long Branch was held on the above date and time in the Council Chambers, Borough Hall, 965 Broadway, West Long Branch, N.J.
Councilwoman Barbara Ruane presided in the Mayor’s absence.
Councilwoman Ruane reported that in accordance with N.J.S.A. 10:4-6 adequate notice of this meeting of the Mayor and Council has been provided.
PRESENT: CIOFFI, DEBRUIN, HEGARTY (6:32 PM), NEYHART, RUANE
ABSENT: NONE
George Bauer, New Jersey American Water Company, appeared this evening to provide an update on the water situation. He showed an example of the thickness of the pipe and stated that it is in good shape and there should be no problems with cleaning and lining it. Councilman Cioffi asked how the pipe will be cleaned. Mr. Bauer responded that they will pull something through the pipe to scrape it down to the bare metal and then line the pipe with cement. He confirmed that the project is on schedule. Councilman DeBruin asked him the current color of the water. Mr. Bauer replied that there is a little tinge to it, but that may be from some of what is trapped in the line right now. Councilman Hegarty asked if the water company will perform the same measures for the three properties next to 965 Broadway as they will for the Police Department building. Mr. Bauer confirmed that the water company will take care of those three homes also.
Edward G. Broberg, of T&M Associates, appeared this evening to discuss the following items:
• Franklin Lake Dredging Project – Since the fountains were installed today, the Borough Engineer recommended that the Council release $13,000 to the contractor. He noted that the Borough previously held the $13,000 in connection with the Trico claim against the contractor, Excavating Materials & Equipment, twice.
• Melissa Court Drainage Repairs – The Borough Engineer recommended authorizing Tri-State Concrete Construction to perform the repairs at a cost of $7,200. The Borough Administrator confirmed that funding is available. Councilman Neyhart asked for additional information since this evening was the first time he heard about this matter. Councilman Hegarty explained that the Engineer solicited quotes to make repairs to a drainage system adjacent to 8 Melissa Court. After some discussion about the scope of work because of concerns about liability, the Engineer solicited new quotes for work consisting of raising the existing structure to grade and constructing a headwall with a receiving opening covered with a trash rack. The work also consists of excavating the pipes entering a catch basin at the adjacent property and repairing approximately three sinkholes.
• Municipal Building Vestibule - T&M Associates is prepared to have a commercial grade exhaust fan installed in the vestibule area to alleviate the high temperatures. The improvements will include connection of the vestibule to the existing air conditioning system and a new thermostat that is needed to provide continuous air circulation. The work will be done by Irv Miller at T&M Associates’ expense.
Councilman Hegarty stated that he obtained an alternate plan from Balanced Climate, the contractor who currently services the building, at a cost of $4,360. $400 of that amount is to correct a pre-existing problem.
The Borough Engineer also recommended installing a film barrier to reduce sunlight infiltration.
The Borough Administrator recommended that the Council authorize the work described by the Borough Engineer tonight. The Borough Attorney recommended that the Public Property Committee meet with the Borough Engineer to discuss both proposals and come back at the next meeting with a recommendation.
Page 2
Councilman Hegarty and the Borough Engineer argued about the merits of the two proposals. In the end, Councilman Hegarty told the Borough Engineer to proceed with his proposal, and he would wait and see what happens. The Council agreed to accept the Engineer’s proposal at tonight’s regular meeting.
Finally, the Borough Engineer recommended that in the meantime the door be left open, if necessary, to help with air circulation.
Councilman DeBruin noted that, according to Dennis Dayback, of T&M Associates, the aerators at Franklin Lake can be programmed. Councilman Cioffi opposed shutting them off because they move the water. The Borough Administrator reported that there has been an increase of $800 in the electric bill that covers the aerators.
The Borough Engineer reminded the Mayor and Council that the Borough has been approved for a New Jersey Department of Transportation Trust Fund Grant and a Community Development Block Grant. The Borough Clerk pointed out that the Borough hasn’t yet received official notification about the Community Development Block Grant. The Borough Administrator stated that the Borough will have to do a capital ordinance in connection with these grants.
Councilman DeBruin moved that the Council enter Executive Session at 7:03 PM. Seconded by Councilman Neyhart and carried unanimously.
EXECUTIVE SESSION RESOLUTION
BE IT RESOLVED that the following portion of this meeting dealing with the following generally described matters shall not be open to the public:
Tax Assessor; Summer Recreation Employees; Health Insurance Broker
Page 3
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that it is anticipated that the matters to be considered in private may be disclosed to the public at a later date under the following circumstances:
When the need for privacy as to each item no longer exists.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the private consideration is deemed required and is permitted because of the following noted exceptions set forth in the Open Public Meetings Act (N.J.S.A. 10:4-12):
_____ 1. Rendered confidential by Federal law or that if disclosed would impair receipt of Federal funds.
2. Rendered confidential by State Statute or Court Rule.
3. Would constitute an unwarranted invasion of individual privacy.
4. Deals with collective bargaining or any employment agreement, including negotiations positions.
5. Deals with purchase, lease or acquisition of real property with public funds.
_____ 6. Related to setting of bank rates or the investment of public funds and disclosure could adversely affect the public interest.
7. Related to tactics and techniques utilized in protecting the safety and property of the public and disclosure may adversely affect the public.
8. Related to investigation of violations or possible violations of the law.
9. Related to pending or anticipated litigation or contract negotiations in which the public body is or may be a party.
Page 4
10. Falls within the attorney-client privilege and confidentiality is required.
X
11. Deals with personnel matters involving the employment, appointment, termination of employment, terms and conditions of employment, performance evaluation or discipline of any public officers or employees, either current or prospective, and all of the employees or appointees whose rights could be adversely affected have not requested that the matter be discussed publicly.
_____ 12. Quasi-judicial deliberations after public hearing that may result in imposition of a civil penalty or suspension or loss of a license or permit.
Councilman Cioffi moved Council adjourn Executive Session at 7:32 PM, seconded by Councilman Neyhart, and carried unanimously.
BOROUGH CLERK COLE:
1. In the spirit of National Parks and Recreation Month, the Board of Chosen Freeholders will publicly recognize the Borough for completion of the Franklin Lake Park Improvements project at their July 8th meeting, at 7:00 PM, in the Hall of Records Court Room, in Freehold. The Borough Clerk asked anyone interested in attending to let her know so that she can respond by July 1st.
2. The Chief Financial Officer has closed the “Green Acres” account since it is no longer required.
COUNCILMAN DEBRUIN:
1. Councilman DeBruin reported that he visited Ed Eichenbaum, 35 Delaware Avenue, and Kerry Bray, 50 Delaware Avenue, to discuss the situation on their street. He indicated that he would wait until tonight’s regular meeting to give a report on this matter.
COUNCILMAN HEGARTY:
Nothing.
Page 5
COUNCILMAN NEYHART:
1. A special meeting was scheduled for Wednesday, June 30th, at 5:30 PM, for the purpose of interviewing the nominees to fill the Council vacancy.
The meeting was opened to the public. No one spoke.
Councilman Neyhart moved Council adjourn Caucus Session at 7:46 PM. Seconded by Councilman DeBruin and carried unanimously.
_________________________
BOROUGH CLERK
Page 6