Council Minutes 20080609

JUNE 9TH, 2008 - 6:30 P.M.

AGENDA SESSION .

President Steinmann opened the Agenda meeting and read the Open Public Meeting Statement: The notice requirements provided for in the “Open Public Meetings Act” have been satisfied. Notice of this meeting was properly given in a notice which was transmitted to the Times of Trenton and the Trentonian, filed with the Clerk of the Township of Ewing and posted in the Ewing Township Municipal Complex, all on the 8th day of January, 2008. ROLL CALL ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ

Mr. Cox Mr. Murphy Mr. Summiel Ms. Wollert President Steinmann

Mayor Ball Dave Thompson, Administrator Mike Hartsough, Attorney Stephen Elliott, Municipal Clerk

DISCUSSION 1. Jamie Sunyak (CMX) – Third Round COAH Rules Jamie Sunyak of CMX Engineering (Schoor DePalma) was introduced by President Steinmann. Ms. Sunyak discussed the impact on Ewing Township of the proposed 3rd round rules promulgated by the Council on Affordable Housing (COAH). Under the rules, Ewing Township would be required to provide 421 new units by 2018; up to 105 age restricted, at least 211 rental and at least 211 family units. The entire new set of rules is proving burdensome on towns throughout the State and further developments will certainly occur. Ms. Sunyak promised to keep Council informed. CONSENT AGENDA: Council President presented the Consent Agenda for review. 1. Authorization for the Chief Financial Officer to pay Township bills in the amount of $438,281.55. 2. A Resolution authorizing the conduct of an off premise raffle (Horseracing) sponsored by the American Red Cross of Central New Jersey to be held on November 8th, 2008 at the Trenton Country Club. 3. A Resolution consenting to the appointment of Helaine Liwacz as second alternate on the Environmental Commission with a term expiring December 31, 2008. The Consent Agenda was approved for action. ORDINANCE(S) FOR FIRST READING AND INTRODUCTION The President introduced the ordinances for introduction. 1. AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE EWING TOWNSHIP SALARY ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING COMPENSATION OF THE PUBLIC WORKS MANAGER, TAX ASSESSOR AND CONSTRUCTION OFFICIAL FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2007-2008 (2008)

Council discussed the ordinance with Ms. Wollert and Mr. Murphy indicating that the salaries were commensurate with those in similar positions throughout the County. 2. AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE EWING TOWNSHIP SALARY ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING COMPENSATION OF OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES OF THE TOWNSHIP OF EWING FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2007-2008 (2008) Council indicated that the ordinance was a product of discussions with Administration and that Administration had included 4% increases in the adopted budget. Both ordinances were approved for action. ORDINANCE(S) FOR SECOND READING, PUBLIC HEARING AND FINAL ADOPTION The President presented ordinances for second reading.. 3. A BOND ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR VARIOUS CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS OF THE TOWNSHIP OF EWING, IN THE COUNTY OF MERCER, NEW JERSEY, APPROPRIATING THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT OF $1,000,000 THEREFORE AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF $950,000 BONDS OR NOTES OF THE TOWNSHIP TO FINANCE PART OF THE COST THEREOF (2008) 2. AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE REVISED GENERAL ORDINANCE OF THE TOWNSHIP OF EWING AMENDING THE SCHEDULE OF FEES FOR THE RECREATION DEPARTMENT (2008) The ordinances were approved for action. NEW BUSINESS President Steinmann reviewed the items on the New Business agenda for review. 1. A RESOLUTION OF MUNICIPAL TEMPORARY BUDGET (FY 2009). 2. A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE TOWNSHIP OF EWING TO SUBMIT A GRANT APPLICATION TO THE NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FOR THE FY2009 MUNICIPAL AID TRUST FUND PROGRAM FOR THE RECONSTRUCTION OF PALMER LANE AND WILBURTHA ROAD. 3. A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE WAIVER OF POOL FEES FOR VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTERS AND VOLUNTEER EMERGENCY MEDICAL TECHNICIANS. 4. A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A SPECIAL ITEM OF REVENUE IN THE AMOUNT OF 41,500.00 FROM THE INFRASTRUCTURE PREPAREDNESS & ER GRANT PROGRAM. 5. A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A SPECIAL ITEM OF REVENUE IN THE AMOUNT OF $4,000.00 FROM THE COPS IN SHOPS GRANT PROGRAM. 6. A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A SPECIAL ITEM OF REVENUE IN THE AMOUNT OF $41,972.87 FROM THE CLEAN COMMUNITIES GRANT PROGRAM. 7. A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A SPECIAL ITEM OF REVENUE IN THE AMOUNT OF $21,770.00 FROM THE MUNICIPAL ALLIANCE GRANT PROGRAM. 8. A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF A CONTRACT WITH CONCERNED CITIZENS OF EWING, INC. FOR THE PROVISION OF

SERVICES AT THE EWING TOWNSHIP HOLLOWBROOK COMMUNITY CENTER. 9. A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE TAX COLLECTOR TO ENTER INTO AN INSTALLMENT PAYMENT AGREEMENT AND TO REMOVE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 1 LILAC DRIVE FROM TAX SALE. 10. A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE TAX COLELCTOR TO ENTER INTO AN INSTALLMENT PAYMENT AGREEMENT AND TO REMOVE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 8 BRUCE LANE FROM TAX SALE. 11. A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE TOWNSHIP OF EWING TO SUBMIT A GRANT APPLICATION TO THE NEW JERSEY HISTORIC TRUST GARDEN STATE HISTORIC PRESERVATION TRUST FUND PROGRAM FOR THE RESTORATION AND RECONSTRUCTION OF THE BATH HOUSES, PAVILIONS AND ACCESSORY IMPROVEMENTS AT THE EWING SENIOR & COMMUNITY CENTER. There were no comments concerning the items and all were approved for action. President Steinmann brought up additional business regarding the renaming of Ewing Park after Florence Higgs, first African American principal at the school, and dedicating the Gazebo at the park after Councilwoman and longtime civic leader Doreitha Madden, There was not time to do formal dedications now but the Council could indicate its willingness to support these actions and the process could begin. A proclamation to this effect will be prepared. STATEMENTS AND COMMENTS FROM MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC Faye Ball (Somerset St) spoke in favor of renaming the Park and the gazebo and also discussed the Saturday parade sponsored by St. Johns Church which would end at the park and where a ceremony would be held. Corrinne Matelski (10 Birch Run Ct) Matt Kalnas (Pingree Ave) and Paul Rulkewicz (Nancy Lane) all spoke in favor of additional compensation for the employees not represented by a bargaining unit. Council indicated that all should join the proposed union local and negotiate for additional salaries especially in light of the fact that Administration had indicated that there was money available for 8% increase rather than 4% increases. Kate Tuttle (8 Locke Ct) spoke against any increases saying that the Township has no money.

There being no further business, President Steinmann called for a motion to adjourn. Ms. Wollert so moved, seconded by Mr. Murphy. The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 pm. ______________________________ Bert H. Steinmann, Council President

______________________________ Stephen W. Elliott, Municipal Clerk