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January 27, 2007 Edit here ...use submit or exit button in blue toolbar above MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE LITTLE SILVER BOROUGH COUNCIL January 29, 2007 The meeting was called to order and the Statement of Compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act given by Mayor Castleman at 8:00 P.M. "Adequate notice of this meeting has been provided by the mailing of a notice to the Asbury Park Press and The Two River Times, by filing same with the Clerk of the Borough of Little Silver and by prominently posting said notice on the bulletin board of the Borough Hall, all since January 4, 2007." The salute to the flag was led by Mr. Gilmour and followed by a moment of silence. Roll Call: Present: Mayor Castleman, Mr. Bitman, Mr. DeNoia, Mr. Galante, Mr. Gilmour, Mr. O’Scanlon, Mr. VanWinkle, Attorney Bennett and Mr. Biehl, Administrator/Clerk Absent: None Mr. Biehl read the following: R E S O L U T I O N WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Little Silver did heretofore advertise for public bids for the rental of the Little Silver Railroad Station News Stand in the Borough of Little Silver; and WHEREAS, specifications for the same were prepared by the Borough Attorney; and WHEREAS, the following bids were received by the Administrator/Clerk at 10:00 a.m. on December 8, 2006, opened and publicly read as follows: MAFSARK T/A JAVA JUNCTION/HOSTESS HELPERS Little Silver, NJ $12,012.00; and WHEREAS, the Borough Administrator/Clerk has reviewed the bid and finds the bid to be less than the minimum annual rental fee of $24,000.00 as required by the specifications and therefore finds the bid to be deficient; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Little Silver that the bid submitted by MAFSARK T/A JAVA JUNCTION/HOSTESS HELPERS in the annual amount of $12,012.00 for the rental of the Little Silver Railroad Station News Stand be and is hereby denied; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Borough Administrator/Clerk be and is hereby authorized to return the bid bond to the unsuccessful bidder; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Borough Administrator/Clerk be and is hereby authorized to re-bid the rental of Little Silver Railroad Station News Stand. Motion: Mr. DeNoia Second: Mr. VanWinkle Council and Public Discussion: None Roll Call: Affirmative: Mr. Bitman, Mr. DeNoia, Mr. Galante, Mr. Gilmour, Mr. O’Scanlon, Mr. VanWinkle Negative: None Abstentions: None Consideration of Minutes for Regular Meetings and Executive Sessions (if any) of: September 18, 2006 Motion: Mr. Bitman Second: Mr. Gilmour Council and Public Discussion: None Vote: Voice Vote – Ayes – Unanimous October 2, 2006 Motion : Mr. Bitman Second: Mr. VanWinkle Council and Public Discussion: None Vote: Voice Vote – Ayes – Unanimous October 16, 2006 Motion: Mr. Bitman Second: Mr. Gilmour Council and Public Discussion: None Vote: Voice Vote – Ayes – Unanimous November 6, 2006 Motion: Mr. Bitman Second: Mr. Gilmour Council and Public Discussion: None Vote: Voice Vote – Ayes – Unanimous December 4, 2006 Motion: Mr. Bitman Second: Mr. Gilmour Council and Public Discussion: None Vote: Voice Vote – Ayes – Unanimous Communications: None Student remarks and brief remarks from other members of the Public: None Resolution - Payment of Bills and Claims, January 9, 2007 Mr. VanWinkle offered this resolution in favor of the payment of the following vouchers which have been properly authenticated and presented for payment representing expenditures for which an appropriation was duly made in the budget adopted by the governing body, including any emergency expenditures in the said appropriation for this payment of said vouchers and which the Municipal Financial Officer has certified that sufficient funds are available to pay the same from each designated appropriation. Check Disbursements Operating – Current Year $ 171,056.89 Operating – Prior Year 39,698.11 School Taxes 1,234,132.85 Capital 10,254.55 Grant 0.00 Various Trusts & Reserves 1,748.02 Escrow Projects 811.50 Payroll $ 0.00 Void Checks: $ 0.00 Manual Checks: $ 0.00 ACH Debit Treasurer, State of (Railroad Parking Sales Tax) $ 8,582.70 Wire Transfers: $ 0.00 Total $1,466,284.62 I hereby certify that there are sufficient funds available to pay the above listed vouchers as submitted. Lynn Marie Gale, C.M.F.O., Chief Financial Officer. Motion: Mr. VanWinkle Second: Mr. O’Scanlon Council and Public Discussion: None Roll Call: Affirmative: Mr. Bitman, Mr. DeNoia, Mr. Galante, Mr. Gilmour, Mr. O’Scanlon, Mr. VanWinkle Negative: None Abstentions: None Resolution - Payment of Bills and Claims, January 29, 2007 Mr. VanWinkle offered this resolution in favor of the payment of the following vouchers which have been properly authenticated and presented for payment representing expenditures for which an appropriation was duly made in the budget adopted by the governing body, including any emergency expenditures in the said appropriation for this payment of said vouchers and which the Municipal Financial Officer has certified that sufficient funds are available to pay the same from each designated appropriation. Check Disbursements Operating – Current Year $ 137,930.83 Operating – Prior Year 45,481.12 School Taxes 1,767,732.85 Capital 37,345.21 Grant 1,267.58 Various Trusts & Reserves 7,152.80 Escrow Projects 2,502.50 Payroll of 1/12/07, 1/26/07 $ 249,309.55 Void Checks: $ 0.00 Manual Checks: $ 0.00 Wire Transfers: Monmouth Total $3,364,191.23 I hereby certify that there are sufficient funds available to pay the above listed vouchers as submitted. Lynn Marie Gale, C.M.F.O., Chief Financial Officer. Motion: Mr. VanWinkle Second: Mr. Galante Council and Public Discussion: None Roll Call: Affirmative: Mr. Bitman, Mr. DeNoia, Mr. Galante, Mr. Gilmour, Mr. O’Scanlon, Mr. VanWinkle Negative: None Abstentions: None REPORTS OF COUNCIL MEMBERS: FIRE, FIRST AID AND NEWSLETTER (Board of Health, Emergency Management and Public Affairs): Mr. Galante, no report. POLICE AND EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS (Library Trustees): Mr. O’Scanlon, no report. BUILDINGS, GROUNDS, EQUIPMENT, STREET LIGHTS (Safety Committee, Drug Alliance, Environmental Commission & Open Space): Mr. Gilmour reported that the Traffic Safety Committee and Environmental Commission are at membership capacity. PERSONNEL (Business & Professional Association, Local Assistance, Recreation, Waterfront Committee, Downtown Development Committee, Little Silver Cross Acceptance Liaison): Mr. Bitman reported that a Recreation Committee member, Mr. Glassmacher, resigned. PUBLIC WORKS (Planning Board, Mr. DeNoia reported that the DPW had done a good job plowing in the recent snow. He also reporting that a Zoning Ordinance would be introduced later in the meeting. FINANCE AND BUDGET AND INSURANCE (Property Maintenance, Shade Tree Commission, Finance Advisory): Mr. VanWinkle, no report. Council and Public Discussion: None Mayor's Report: Mayor Castleman reported that She further reported that grants for the Parker Homestead will be made by a Consultant. The Women’s Club will be included. Other Reports: None Old Business: None New Business: ORDINANCE INTRODUCTION Mayor Castleman introduced by title: AN ORDINANCE AMENDING AND SUPPLEMENTING CHAPTER 16A “LAND USE AND DEVELOPMENT ORDINANCE”,OF THE BOROUGH OF LITTLE SILVER, COUNTY OF MONMOUTH, STATE OF NEW Mr. Biehl noted that upon introduction same would be advertised according to law, posted on the Borough bulletin board, and held over for a public hearing on February 20, 2007. Motion: Mr. O’Scanlon Second: Mr. Galante Council and Public Discussion: None Roll Call: Affirmative: Mr. Bitman, Mr. DeNoia, Mr. Galante, Mr. Gilmour, Mr. O’Scanlon, Mr. VanWinkle Negative: None Abstentions: None Consent Agenda: Mayor Castleman announced that the following Resolutions would be approved by Consent Agenda, with the exception of the #5 Resolution for the Sea Bright Draw Bridge Historic Preservation, to be read separately. Motion: Mr. Bitman Second: Mr. DeNoia Roll Call: Affirmative: Mr. Bitman, Mr. DeNoia, Mr. Galante, Mr. Gilmour, Mr. O’Scanlon, Mr. VanWinkle Negative: None Abstentions: None R E S O L U T I O N WHEREAS, the Borough of Little Silver requires all members of its Public Works/Recycling Department to obtain and maintain a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) in good standing in accordance with laws of the United States of America and the State of New Jersey; and WHEREAS, those statutes require the Borough to conduct random drug and alcohol screening and screening upon the occurrence of certain events; and WHEREAS, the Borough is desirous of contracting with Commerce National Risk Control, Risk Managers of the Joint Insurance Fund, for said drug and alcohol screening for the calendar year 2007; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council that the Mayor and Borough Clerk be and are hereby authorized to enter into agreement with Commerce National Risk Control Services on behalf of the Borough of Little Silver for drug and alcohol testing services in accordance with the attached agreement, the cost of which is not to exceed $760.80. R E S O L U T I O N WHEREAS, Richard T. and Nancy G. Mina did previously post The Bank of New York Letter of Credit #S00050169 in the amount of $7,970.40 and $885.60 in cash, as a Performance Bond for improvements to 17 Paag Lane, Block 66, Lot 5in the Borough of Little Silver; and WHEREAS, by letter dated December 8, 2006 the Borough Engineer recommended release of all Performance Bonds subject to the payment of all outstanding bills and the posting of a Maintenance Bond in the amount of $885.60 if posted in cash or certified check or $1,328.40 if posted as a surety; and WHEREAS, all fees have or will be paid and the cash portion of the Performance Bond in the amount of $885.60 will be held and posted as the Maintenance Bond in accordance with the attached letter of authorization; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Little Silver that the aforementioned Performance Bond for Improvements to Paag Lane in the Borough of Little Silver be and is hereby released. R E S O L U T I O N WHEREAS, the Borough of Little Silver did heretofore award a bid on January 18, 2005 to G & M Eastern Contracting, Inc. for Improvements to the Woman’s Club, Borough Hall and Museum as well as various other items within the Borough of Little Silver in an amount not to exceed $222,000.00 based on the Borough Engineer's estimated quantities and materials; and WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Little Silver amended said contract on December 5, 2005 in accordance with Change Order #1, further amended said contract on February 21, 2006 in accordance with Change Order #2 and further amended said contract on September 5, 2006 in accordance with Change Order #3; and WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Little Silver wish to further amend said agreement to include removal and replacement of existing downspouts and gutters along with repairs cracked roof joist in the attic and further for repair for Police door hardware per attached Change Order #4; and WHEREAS, this Change Order falls within the legal limit established pursuant to N.J.A.C. 5:31-4.2; and WHEREAS, adequate funding for these purchases is contained in Ordinance 579-04; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Little Silver that the agreement with G & M Eastern Contracting, Inc. is hereby amended to $246,024.54 a decrease of $1,410.28 for improvements at the Borough Hall in accordance with Change Order #4. R E S O L U T I O N WHEREAS, the Borough of Little Silver Emergency Medical Services is in need of two Rad-57C (COHb) Pulse CO-Oximeters; and WHEREAS, the Emergency Medical Services Captain has solicited the following quote: MASIMO WHEREAS, adequate funding for this purchase is contained in ordinance 580-04; and WHEREAS, MASIMO is the sole manufacturer of this product, which can non-invasively measure carboxyhemoglobin, methemoglobin, Sp02 and pulse rate; and WHEREAS, the Borough Administrator/Clerk has reviewed the quote and finding it to be in order recommends the quote submitted by MASIMO; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Little Silver that the quote submitted by MASIMO in the total amount of $5,010.00, including a $1,000.00 trade-in credit, for the purchase of two Rad-57C (COHb) Pulse Co-Omimeters be and is hereby accepted without benefit of competitive quotes. RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, N.J.S.A. 40A:5-17 allows for the cancellation of property tax refunds or delinquent amount in the amounts of less than $10.00; and WHEREAS, the governing body authorizes the Tax Collector to process, without further action on their part, and cancellation of property tax refunds or delinquencies of less than $10.00. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Little Silver, BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that a certified copy of the Resolution be forwarded to the Tax Collector and Borough Auditor. DELINQUENT Block 13 106 Seaman 0.73 0.72 0.01 17 4.60 Reskof 1.48 1.46 0.02 17 4.90 Schmidt 9.87 9.79 0.08 17 4.157 O’Mara 9.90 9.79 0.11 19 30 Schreiber 0.01 0.01 22 14 McCarthy 1.40 1.39 0.01 23 5 McAloine 0.30 0.30 30 2.111 30 2.209 33 29 Foxworth Bldg. 40 40 Greene 0.11 0.11 40 53.2 Sica 2.87 2.83 0.04 41 4 Langan 0.24 0.24 43 14 MG Kelly Builders 1.33 1.32 0.01 46 45 Keiper 3.27 3.24 0.03 52 8 Scott 4.56 4.53 0.03 58 6 MGKelly Builders 1.29 1.28 0.01 59 57 Cullen 1.46 1.42 0.04 78 8 83 2 Loftus 0.75 0.74 0.01 TOTAL 57.84 57.31 0.53OVERPAYMENT 75 5.62 Murphy -0.01 -0.01 75 5.111 Sierra -0.01 -0.01 TOTAL -0.02 -0.02 NET TOTAL 57.29 R E S O L U T I O N WHEREAS, The Governing Body of the Borough of Little Silver deems it to be in the best interest of the residents of Little Silver to provide certain public health services; and WHEREAS, the Visiting Nurse Association of Central NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Little Silver that the Mayor of the Borough of Little Silver and the Health Officer be and are hereby authorized to enter into an agreement with the Visiting Nurse Association of Central Jersey (VNACJ) for the provision of public health and nursing services as delineated in the attached agreement for the annual sum of $3,822.00 for the period of January 1, 2007 through December 31, 2007. R E S O L U T I O N WHEREAS, the Borough of Little Silver Emergency Medical Services is in need of emergency services computer software with installation and technical support for accurate record keeping; and WHEREAS, the Emergency Medical Services Captain has solicited the following quote: Corporate Technologies LLC WHEREAS, adequate funding for this purchase is contained in ordinance 619-06; and WHEREAS, Corporate Technologies LLC is the owner and sole vendor for the Emergency Services Software; and WHEREAS, the Borough Administrator/Clerk has reviewed the quote and finding it to be in order recommends the quote submitted by Corporate Technologies LLC; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Little Silver that the quote submitted by Corporate Technologies LLC in the amount of $3,200.00 for the emergency services computer software with installation and technical support be and is hereby accepted without benefit of competitive quotes. R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council Organization Meeting was held January 4, 2007; and WHEREAS, George Darragh, Jr.’s name was omitted for reappointment to the Board of Health for a four year term; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Mayor of the Borough of Little Silver reappoints George Darragh, Jr. to serve a four year term on the Board of Health. R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, since their institution in 1977 as part of the package of bills establishing the Property Tax Relief Fund, funded by New Jersey's first Income Tax, the artificial limits on local budgetary discretion contained in the local government cap law have, repeatedly, proved to be unworkable and in need of amendment in times of fiscal stress; and WHEREAS, the latest amendments to the cap law were enacted in 2004 as part of Governor McGreevey's FAIR Plan, which was supposed to provide short term property tax relief and produce long term property tax reform, the cap amendments being a part of the short term relief component; and WHEREAS, those 2004 amendments drastically lowered the cap, eliminated important exceptions to the cap and severely limited the use of 'cap banking,' which is crucial to municipal intermediate range budgetary planning; and WHEREAS, despite the recommendations of the Governor's Blue Ribbon Property Tax Convention Task Force and despite the energetic efforts of a core of concerned and committed legislators and the outspoken support of a large and growing coalition of citizens' public interest groups, the Legislature has, to date, failed to advance the cause of property tax reform, continuing decades of inattention to a problem that a majority of our fellow citizens consistently identify as their greatest public policy concern; and WHEREAS, instead, State policy makers have consistently under-funded, cut and eliminated crucial municipal property tax relief programs, thereby exacerbating the property tax crisis and making it increasingly difficult for municipal budget makers to meet the needs and honor the wishes of local property taxpayers and to deal with current fiscal stresses over which they have no control; and WHEREAS, in recognition of these serious issues, legislation has been introduced to provide appropriate flexibility to help local budget makers better meet citizen needs for high quality public programs and services; and WHEREAS, in order to do so, the bills (A-3444/S-2183) would: first, make permanent the temporary cap exception for costs of domestic security preparedness and responses to incidents and threats to domestic security; second, make permanent the temporary cap exception for liability insurance, workers' compensation insurance and employee group insurance; and finally, provide an exception from the county and municipal local budget cap for appropriations for the costs of goods and services, including wage and salary increases that are required under contracts entered into prior to July 7, 2004, the effective date of P.L.2004, c.74, the statute that reduced the local budget cap limits to the lesser of 2.5% or the consumer price index; and WHEREAS, while extremely beneficial for rational effective budgetary planning, the 'cap banking' problems created by the 2004 amendments will pose lasting and growing problems for municipalities trying to prepare for unanticipated exigencies and immanent needs; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Governing Body of the Borough of Little Silver does fully support and urge swift and favorable action on A-3444/S-2183; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we do respectfully request an amendment to the bill to restore 'cap banking' to its previous status, as it existed prior to the 2004 amendments; BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that copies of this resolution be forwarded to our State Legislative Delegation and to the New Jersey League of Municipalities. R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, the Borough of Little Silver has a need to acquire a Borough Attorney and Bond Counsel services as a non-fair and open contract pursuant to the provisions of N.J.S.A. 19:44A-20.4; and, WHEREAS, the Purchasing Agent, Michael D. Biehl has determined and certified in writing that the value of the acquisition may exceed $17,500; and, WHEREAS, the anticipated term of this contract is one year; and WHEREAS, Dilworth Paxson LLP has submitted a proposal, January 1, 2006 indicating they will provide Borough Attorney and Bond Counsel services for the Borough of Little Silver in the amount of $160.00 per hour; and an annual rate per the 2007 Borough of Little Silver Salary Ordinance; and WHEREAS, Dilworth Paxson LLP has completed and submitted a Business Entity Disclosure Certification which certifies that Dilworth Paxson LLP has not made any reportable contributions to a political or candidate committee in the Borough of Little Silver in the previous one year, and that the contract will prohibit Dilworth Paxson LLP from making any reportable contributions through the term of the contract, and WHEREAS, pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:4-57, adequate funds are available for the payment of this contract in the 2007 Municipal Budget; NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Little Silver of the authorizes Suzanne S. Castleman, Mayor to enter into a contract with Dilworth as described herein; and, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Business Disclosure Entity Certification and the Determination of Value be placed on file with this resolution. Resolution Borough of little silver County of Monmouth Temporary emergency appropriationWhereas, AN EMERGENCY CONDITION HAS ARISEN IN THE 2007 Operating Budget with respect to additional cost prior to the adoption of the 2007 Budget; and WHEREAS, the adoption of the 2007 Budget has not been completed and adequate provision was not made in the 2007 Temporary Budget and N.J.S.A. 40A:4-20 provides for the creation of an Emergency Temporary Appropriation; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Borough Council of the Borough of Little Silver, County of Monmouth, State of New Jersey authorizes in accordance with N.J.S.A. 40A:4-20 the following Emergency Temporary Appropriation be and the same is hereby made for: Current Fund: Public Employees Retirement System $ 30,093.40 Police & Firemen’s Retirement System $113,421.80 $143,515.20 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a certified copy of this Resolution be provided to the Borough Auditor, Chief Financial Officer and the State of New Jersey Division of Local Government Services. Dated: January 29, 2007 R E S O L U T I O N WHEREAS, the Mandatory Source Separation and Recycling Act, P.L. 1987, c. 102, has established a recycling fund from which tonnage grants may be made to municipalities in order to encourage local source separation and recycling programs; and WHEREAS, it is the intent and spirit of the Mandatory Source Separation and Recycling Act to use the tonnage grants to develop new municipal recycling programs and to continue and expand existing programs; and WHEREAS, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection has promulgated recycling regulations to implement the Mandatory Source Separation and Recycling Act; and WHEREAS, the recycling regulations impose on municipalities certain requirements as a condition for applying for tonnage grants, including, but not limited to, making and keeping accurate, verifiable records of materials collected and claimed by the municipality; and WHEREAS, a resolution authorizing this municipality to apply for such tonnage grants for calendar year 2006 will memorialize the commitment of this municipality to recycling and indicate the assent of the Mayor and Council to the efforts undertaken by the municipality and the requirements contained in the Recycling Act and recycling regulations; and WHEREAS, such a resolution should designate the individual authorized to ensure that the application is properly completed and timely filed; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Little Silver that the Borough of Little Silver hereby endorses the submission of a Municipal Recycling Tonnage Grant Application to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and designates Helen Gormley, Recycling Coordinator, 480 Prospect Avenue, Little Silver, New Jersey to ensure that said Application is properly filed. R E S O L U T I O N WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council believe the interests of the public and the officers and dispatchers of the Little Silver Police Department, the Little Silver Volunteer Fire Department, the Little Silver Volunteer Emergency Medical Services may best be served by providing critical response counseling services and an Employee Assistance Program (E.A.P.) to the members; and WHEREAS, said critical response service includes "on-call" support counseling during incidents which may be emotionally or physically charged; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Little Silver that the Mayor and Borough Clerk be and are hereby authorized to enter into an agreement with Ms. Stephanie Samuels, M.A. to provide critical response services and an Employee Assistance Program (E.A.P.) to the Little Silver Police Department, the Little Silver Volunteer Fire Department and the Little Silver Volunteer Emergency Medical Services, the duration of said agreement to run from February 1, 2007 to January 31, 2008 at a cost to the Borough not to exceed four thousand eight hundred forty five dollars ($4,845.00) plus mileage and telephone calls. Mr. Biehl read the following: R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Little Silver is opposed to any construction project involving the Highlands to Sea Bright Draw Bridge that would destroy and replace the existing historically significant bridge; and WHEREAS, the Borough of Little Silver agrees with the State of New Jersey and its Office of Historic Preservation that there should be a commitment to enhancing the quality of life of the residents of New Jersey through the preservation and appreciation of our collective past by preserving historically significant structures; and WHEREAS, it is the historic preservation office’s mission to assist the residents of New Jersey in identifying, preserving, protecting and sustaining New Jersey’s historic resources through the implementation of the State’s Historic Preservation program; and WHEREAS, some of the historic structures in the immediate proximity of the Highlands Bridge include the Sandy Hook Lighthouse, the Twin Lights Lighthouse, Bahrs Marina which is an historic archeological site, Fort Hancock, and the Sandy Hook Proving Grounds, both of which enhance and are enhanced by the handsome structure of the Highlands Bridge; and WHEREAS, the Highlands Bridge is depicted in several significant photographs and works of art; and WHEREAS, the Highlands Bridge is a double leaf bascule draw bridge which is historically significant, is part of the New Jersey coast’s heritage and represents the character and ambiance of the area surrounding the bridge, including Highlands, Sea Bright, Rumson, Navesink, Monmouth Beach and Sandy Hook; and WHEREAS, the Highlands Bridge is functioning in sound condition, has an exemplary safety record and can be repaired and maintained in its present form, for less money then it would cost to build a new bridge; and WHEREAS, NJDOT has contended that traffic is an issue, but it is only an issue on the weekends during the summer months and replacement of the draw bridge will not correct this problem; and WHEREAS, NJDOT has contended that the bridge has gotten stuck numerous times, but the Borough of Little Silver has not interpreted this to be a serious issue; and WHEREAS, the age and design of this functioning double leaf bascule bridge makes it a significant historic structure worthy of preservation; and WHEREAS, the information regarding the need for the destruction of the Highlands to Sea Bright Draw Bridge that was provided to the public by the New Jersey Department of Transportation, has been called into question and is reportedly different from the information provided to the Government; NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Little Silver hereby supports the Borough of Sea Bright and withdraws all support for the destruction of the Highlands to Sea Bright Draw Bridge and formally opposes the proposed construction of the fixed span bridge across the Shrewsbury River in place of the draw bridge; BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Little Silver hereby directs and support the NJDOT repair of the historically significant double leaf bascule bridge over the Shrewsbury River, and to preserve this piece of New Jersey coastal heritage; BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Little Silver hereby directs that the State and National Historic Preservation Agencies designate the Highlands Bridge as a Historic Structure and a Structure of Historical Significance; BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Little Silver hereby direct the Clerk to forward certified copies of the Resolution to Governor Jon Corzine, Senator Frank Lautenberg, Senator Robert Menendez, Congressman Frank Pallone, Congressman Rush Holt, State Senator Joseph Palaia, State Senator Joseph Kyrillos, Assemblyman Steven Coredemus, Assemblyman Sean Kean, Senator Ellen Karcher, Assemblyman Michael Panter, Assemblywoman Jennifer Beck, the Commissioner of the Department of Transportation the Commissioner of the Department of Environmental Protection, the Mayor and Council of Highlands, Rumson, Middletown, Atlantic Highlands, Monmouth Beach, Little Sea Bright, Oceanport, Gateway National Recreation Area-Sandy Hook and the Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders. Motion: Mr. Gilmour Second: Mr. DeNoia Council and Public Discussion: It was noted that the residents of Highlands are opposed to this project. Roll Call: Affirmative: Mayor Castleman, Mr. Galante, Mr. Gilmour, Mr. VanWinkle Negative: None Abstentions: Mr. O’Scanlon, Mr. Bitman, Mr. DeNoia Public Portion Remarks of the citizens for the good of the Borough: Members of the public discussed issues pertaining to the new roof on the Women’s Club. Mr. Oswandel, 91 Church Street, stated that the plans don’t match the construction, that the new roof is too steep. He said last Monday when construction began, he notified Mayor Castleman and Mr. Biehl of the discrepancy in heights and suggested the work be halted to assess the situation. He said they were both unaware of the discrepancy and the builder proceeded to work. He further stated that he felt it is a ranch-style foundation with a two-story roof and that it is aesthetically unpleasant and blocks the view from neighboring homes and the skyline. He said the Borough response to these concerns is that a mistake was made, and that false dormers and landscapes were offered to remedy it, and he feels that is unacceptable. Mr. Oswandel said an architect was hired by the residents, who will meet with the Borough Engineer tomorrow, and present a solution. He said this might remove one of the issues in question, and that most of the materials would be reused. He said he felt if a resident owned the building and had proceeded with this work, a stop work order would be issued and the resident would be ordered to remove or change the work to bring it in line with the drawing. He added that the Borough works on different standards than residents, and that they are “double standards”. He noted that if the residents had been kept informed and involved in the project, a solution would have been reached sooner. He referred to a statement in the Little Silver Newsletter, stating the Women’s Club would be closed for refurbishment, and that this was a misleading statement. Joe Cichowski, 112 Church Street, commented that he was in agreement with Mr. Oswandel. He said it was unacceptable to call the work design “just a mistake”, in any situation. He noted that he hoped the meeting tomorrow would provide a satisfactory solution. He then questioned the lighting in the parking lot. He said there doesn’t seem to be a need for lights, as most activity is done in the afternoon, so to be able to control the lights so they operate just on nights there are activities taking place. He further commented that the structure now looks like a Red Roof Inn. He noted that under the new roof will be dead space and the questioned the efficiency of heating it. Mrs. Oswandel, 91 Church Street, stated that she was concerned about the value of homes in the area. She noted that everyone in the area had put much work and cost into the homes and to make the area look nice, and the new roof on the Women’s Club does not fit with the design and look of the neighboring homes. She added that she would like to see a favorable solution to the meeting of the architects and Borough Engineer tomorrow. Mayor Castleman stated that tomorrow she would meet with a senior member of a prominent architectural firm that will be working on the Parker Homestead under the $50,000 grant that had been received. She said she would confer with that senior member of the firm on the roof of the Women’s Club Building, as well as the barns at the Parker Homestead. Gloria Steele, 200 Rumson Road, said she agreed with what other residents had said, and added that the looming roof shades her neighbor’s yard and affects the view of the open sky that was there before the new roof was installed. Motion to Adjourn: Mr. O’Scanlon Second: Mr. Gilmour Roll Call: Voice Vote - Ayes – Unanimous The meeting was adjourned at 8:50 p.m. Michael D. Biehl Administrator/Clerk | |||||||||||||||
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