Ewing Township Redevelopment Agency (ETRA) 2 Jake Garzio Drive Ewing, New Jersey 08628 Minutes: January 17, 2007 Submitted by: Anthony P. Carabelli, Jr., Executive Director Public Notice and Attendees a. The meeting of the Ewing Township Redevelopment Agency (ETRA) convened with the reading of the “Sunshine Law” statement by Executive Director Anthony Carabelli at 7:02pm. b. Attendees: Chairperson Janet McLaughlin, Vice Chair Robert Kull, Daniel Brandt, Phil Vecere, David Rose, Sandra McCord, ETRA Executive Director Anthony Carabelli and Redevelopment Agency Attorney Michael O’Donnell Reorganization Chairperson Mr. Carabelli requested a nomination for the position of Agency Chairperson. MOTION – Approval of Janet McLaughlin as Chairperson First: Bob Kull Second: Daniel Brandt The Agency unanimously supported the appointment of Janet McLaughlin as Chairperson. Vice Chairperson Mr. Carabelli requested a nomination for the position of Agency Vice Chairperson. MOTION – Approval of Robert Kull as Vice Chairperson First: Sandra McCord Second: Daniel Brandt The Agency unanimously supported the appointment of Robert Kull as Vice Chairperson. Secretary Mr. Carabelli requested a nomination for the position of Agency Secretary. MOTION – Approval of David Rose as Secretary First: Phil Vecere Second: Sandra McCord The Agency unanimously supported the appointment of David Rose as Secretary. Approval of Minutes The members of the Agency reviewed the December 6, 2006 minutes. It was recommended that Mr. Carabelli place page numbers on the Minutes. In addition, a correction was given for the misspelling of a last name. Hearing no further comments, Chair McLaughlin proceeded to call the minutes for a vote. MOTION – Re: Approval of December 6, 2006 minutes First: Daniel Brandt Second: David Rose The Agency unanimously approved the revised December 6, 2006 minutes. 1
Executive Session Chair McLaughlin proposed that the Agency move into Executive Session to review the contracts of Attorney Michael O’Donnell and Executive Director Anthony Carabelli. MOTION – Re: Executive Session First: Sandra McCord Second: Daniel Brandt Following review and discussions of these matters, the Agency moved out of Executive Session to approve both contracts. Chair McLaughlin called a motion to reappoint Mr. O’Donnell as Attorney of the Ewing Township Redevelopment Agency. MOTION – Re: Reappointment of Attorney Michael O’Donnell to Agency First: David Rose Second: Phil Vecere The Agency unanimously supported the reappointment of Mr. O’Donnell. Chair McLaughlin called a motion to reappoint Mr. Carabelli as Executive Director of the Agency with two minor amendments*. MOTION – Re: Reappointment of Executive Director Anthony Carabelli to Agency with two amendments First: Robert Kull Second: Sandra McCord The Agency unanimously supported the reappointment of Mr. Carabelli. Mr. O’Donnell will provide the finalized contract including the two amendments discussed at the meeting. *The amendments consist of the following: a correction in the mile reimbursement rate and the establishment of a minimum of three office hours a week for the Executive Director. Public Comment 1026 Prospect Street Presentations Frank Falcone, an Engineer from Princeton Junction Engineering, appeared before the Agency to present information and plans regarding the development of 1026 Prospect Street. Mr. Falcone, who was representing Hal Boston and Chuck Wells of Boston Properties, provided a brief presentation regarding his ideas on developing 1026 Prospect Avenue. Mr. Falcone sought to construct two single dwelling homes with an adjoining driveway and assured members that there would be proper access for emergency service vehicles. He also added that the County is interested in reducing the amount of curb cuts wherever possible. Mr. Falcone and his clients were fully aware of the variance requirements needed to undertake this proposal. MOTION – Re: Approval of 2 Separate Home Plan for 1026 Prospect Street First: David Rose Second: Robert Kull The Agency unanimously supported plans for two separate homes at the 1026 Prospect Street location. 2
Mr. Kwak appeared before the Agency to present his proposals for 1026 Prospect Street. He began his presentation by telling members his strong interest in the area and his comprehensive research regarding this community. He suggested two semi-detached homes for the 1026 Prospect Street property. He will submit architectural renderings to the Agency in the next several days. Mr. Kwak then commented on pending development project that he is undertaking within the Redevelopment Area. One project, the age restricted community on Stokes Avenue, will feature underground parking to better accommodate the residents of the complex. Mr. Kwak also mentioned a scheduled meeting for January 22, 2007 with Tom Mazza and his attorney, Bob Ridolfi regarding this project. Legal Issues MGI Michael O’Donnell stated that he would discuss with Mr. Leopardi’s attorney the possibility of setting up a meeting with both parties. In addition, he mentioned that the Agency would begin receiving PILOT monies from MGI. He stated that half of these funds would go to the schools. Topics for Discussion Livable Communities DOT Project Mr. O’Donnell stated that Mr. Gerber of Interstate had contacted him regarding the effect of the easement on the Interstate billboards. Mr. O’Donnell commented that he would write a letter stating that the proposed sidewalks on the easement would not impact or block the Interstate signs at that location. In addition, Mr. O’Donnell will speak with County officials to inform them of this project. Welcome Sign Mr. Carabelli stated that he discussed the wording for the Welcome Sign on North Olden Avenue with Mayor Jack Ball and Patriotic Committee President Harry Masterson. Both had agreed that for the month of February the sign should read “Ewing Township celebrates Black History Month”. Mr. Carabelli had faxed this slogan off to the Road Department. Audit FY 2005-2006 Mr. Carabelli indicated that he had spoken with Mark Perry about a timeframe for his completion of the FY 2005-2006. Mr. Perry had suggested at the end of February or early portion of March. Mr. Carabelli also mentioned that Mr. Perry would forward a procedure and manuals template for the Agency soon. Budget Mr. Carabelli distributed to all members an update of the current financial situation of the Agency. Municipal Software Inquiry Mr. Carabelli had spoke to a representative with Municipal Software – a company that supplies budgetary programs and support to the Township. Mr. Carabelli stated a quote that the rep provided for services. The members of the Agency agreed that this fee was too expensive and asked Mr. Carabelli to purchase Quicken for all Agency finances. Agency Credit/Check Card 3
A discussion ensured in which members unanimously supported the idea of a check or credit card for the Agency. Mr. Carabelli could then use the card to easily make purchases such as Quicken. Finances Mr. Carabelli submitted invoices for approval. Chair McLaughlin requested that the members review these invoices. All invoices were unanimously approved by the Agency. New Business Website The Township recently hired a part-time IT assistant. Mr. Carabelli will work with this individual to create a link from the Township website to the Agency. Included in the information on the Agency site would be the following: mission statement, minutes, agendas, member list, maps, the Redevelopment Plan and contact information for the Agency. Redevelopment Plan Revisions The Agency was recently notified that grant monies from the Office of Smart Growth were allocated for the purpose of revising the Redevelopment Plan. Agency members agreed to hire a Planner for the purpose of completing revisions to the Plan. The Agency will use the February 6, 2007 supplemental to inform the Planner of the direction and ideas moving forward. Chair McLaughlin and Mr. Carabelli will seek to acquire the services of a Planner immediately. MOTION Re: Adjournment of Meeting First – Sandra McCord Second – Daniel Brandt The Board unanimously supported the motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:55pm.
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