MAYOR & COUNCIL MEETING   BARNEGAT LIGHT OCTOBER 19, 2005

 

 

THE CAUCUS MEETING of the Mayor and Council was called to order by    Mayor Larson at 7:30pm at the Borough Hall, on West 10th Street. He stated that adequate notice of this meeting has been provided in accordance with the New Jersey Open Public Meetings Act by posting a copy of the notice of this meeting on the bulletin board in the Borough Hall on January 3, 2005 and by mailing a copy of the notice to the Beach Haven Times and Asbury Park Press, newspapers designated by Mayor and Council on January 3, 2005, to receive such notice, and by filing a copy of the notice with the Borough Clerk on January 3, 2005.

 

ROLL CALL:         BOSSI, MORRISON, REYNOLDS, HOWARD, WARR

                   ABSENT: SPARK 

ALSO PRESENT: MAYOR LARSON, TERRY F. BRADY, ATTORNEY AND GAIL WETMORE, RMC

 

The Mayor began by mentioning the letter to the Environmental Commission by a Mr. James Mullin.  Nice man from Morristown, New Jersey who has been sending the Mayor letters about our dune systems. Originally he started because he takes pictures of dunes and he doesn’t like footprints.  He has been in touch with us again regarding the same thing.  If that is what the Environmental Commission is supposed to do we can resign from the whole committee.  Dottie said that is not the thinking of the Environmental Commission, that is the opinion of the person who wrote to them.  The Mayor said if the Environmental Commission brings this up for discussion – Dottie said we are addressing this letter.  This discussion continued and is on tape in its entirety.  The Mayor said the lifeguards driving their vehicles through the sand dunes is going to stop and that is Dottie’s committee.  It is not something that will be ignored from now on. Any vehicle on our beach that is not authorized will be prosecuted and lifeguards will be fired.  The Mayor was very adamant about his feelings regarding this letter to the Environmental Commission.  If the Commission is going to be policing Long Beach Island about every little complaint – this is not what the Mayor wants.  Dave Bossi said the stretch next to the Jetty is littered with junk and he wanted to know who takes care of that.  It is the State Park.  18 Mile Emergency Services letter was discussed.  Do we have room asked Dottie.  Pete said he has already spoken to Frank Little.  We need more information. We have to hear from Frank Little before we do anything. Jim Morrison, who is chairman of Public Safety said no one has contacted him about this.  There is an antennae on the water tank that is for the First Aid Squad already.  The Mayor asked about the boat slip fees.  Dave said it is a really small increase and is very fair.  The mayor said he meant the ramp fees.  The Mayor said he will remind public works to leave the restroom open until we close.  The Mayor said a newspaper had called him and said our beaches were falling apart.   The Mayor went to 29th Street to look and all was fine.  The Mayor said he wondered if the beach cleaners or what.  Dottie agreed! Let the minutes reflect that the Mayor and Dottie agreed on something. The cans are still on the beach at this point in time.  We also have them at the street ends.  The sign on the beach at 30th Street saying Barnegat Light is now very close to the dunes.  Perhaps it could be moved.  Jim believes we should do beach buggy permits.  Gail will speak to Lisa about changing the budget meeting to Monday afternoon. On a motion by Bossi, seconded by Morrison and carried by all there was a brief recess.

 

THE REGULAR MEETING OF Mayor and Council was called to order by Mayor Larson at 8:00pm at the Borough Hall, on West 10th Street.  He said adequate notice of this meeting has been provided in accordance with the New Jersey Open Public Meetings Act by posting a copy of the notice of this meeting on the bulletin board in the Borough Hall on January 3, 2005 and by mailing a copy of the notice to the Beach Haven Times and the Asbury Park Press, newspapers designated by Mayor and Council on January 3, 2005 to receive such notice, and by filing a copy of the notice with the Borough Clerk on January 3, 2005.

 

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

 

THE CLERK stated that the minutes of this meeting are being officially recorded and such tape will be on file in the office of the Borough Clerk and be made a part of these written minutes.

 

ROLL CALL:  SPARK, MORRISON, BOSSI, REYNOLDS, HOWARD, WARR

            ABSENT: NONE      

            ALSO PRESENT:  MAYOR LARSON, TERRY F. BRADY, BOROUGH                  ATTORNEY, GAIL WETMORE, ADMINISTRATOR/CLERK

 

THE MAYOR asked for a motion to approve the minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Mayor and Council on September 19, 2005. On a motion made by Mrs. Reynolds and seconded by Mr. Bossi, the minutes were approved.

MOTION: REYNOLDS

SECOND: BOSSI

VOTE:     AYES: SPARK, MORRISON, BOSSI, REYNOLDS, HOWARD, WARR

      NAYS: NONE   ABSTAIN: HOWARD     ABSENT: NONE

 

THE MAYOR asked for a motion to approve the minutes of the Special Meeting of October 14, 2005.  On a motion by Reynolds, seconded by Morrison, the minutes were approved.

MOTION:  REYNOLDS

SECOND:  MORRISON

VOTE:  AYES:  SPARK, MORRISON, BOSSI, REYNOLDS, HOWARD

       NAYS:  NONE

       ABSENT:  NONE   ABSTAIN:  WARR

 

TREASURER'S REPORT:  It was asked that the Treasurer's report be made a part of these written minutes.  Mr. Morrison so moved, seconded by Mr. Warr.

MOTION: MORRISON

SECOND: WARR

VOTE:     AYES: SPARK, MORRISON, BOSSI, REYNOLDS, HOWARD, WARR

      NAYS: NONE   ABSENT: NONE     ABSTAIN: NONE

 

ZONING AND BUILDING REPORTS FOR SEPTEMBER: On a motion made by Mr. Howard and seconded by Mr. Bossi the reports were accepted.

MOTION: HOWARD

SECOND: BOSSI

VOTE:     AYES: SPARK, MORRISON, BOSSI, REYNOLDS, HOWARD, WARR   

      NAYS: NONE      ABSTAIN:  NONE   ABSENT: NONE

 

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

 

FINANCE:  GEORGE WARR said the budget workshop will be either Tuesday or Monday afternoon. We will decide later.  The Mayor mentioned the resolution regarding Fuel CAP which is on the agenda for this evening.  

 

PUBLIC WORKS: HARRY HOWARD said number one, he wants Art Ballinger’s report made a part of the minutes of this meeting. It’s an excellent report, he wants the council to review their copy and come back to Harry with comments about the content (whether it is understandable, should we be explaining things a bit more ).  He thinks Art has done an excellent job, but would like to see it improve.  Mark up your copy.  Staffing is down just a wee bit.  Winnie was out for some medical reason , Brownie will be going on vacation and we don’t have that huge a staff that any one person being out is a problem.  If you do have any public works problems, sit on them for a little.  2006 DOT funding has been awarded in the amount of $103,000.00 for West 6th and West 29th Streets.  The 26th of October the pre construction meeting will be held for this year’s DOT road, West 28th Street.  George wanted to know if Art is doing periodic maintenance start ups on the new generator (Coast Guard Cottage) and Dave said he has been doing so.     

 

BEACHES AND PARKS:  DOROTHY REYNOLDS mentioned that there will be a Beaches and Parks Committee meeting that is open to the pubic on Friday at 4:00pm.  It will include all recreation in Barnegat Light. The Captain of the lifeguards will be here.  We’ll discuss tennis courts, beaches, what ever anyone wants to discuss.  She also thanked the Barnegat Light Taxpayer’s Association for a very successful dune grass planting.  They had the most people come out that they have ever had from the town.  Also Scouts, and this past weekend students from the Pettie School planted grass with Scott Sharpless and Sarah Lambert.  A lot of dune grass was planted and that shows the concern of the community in protecting the dunes.

 

DOCKS AND HARBORS:  DAVE BOSSI said he has one Emergency Management thing.  He said he wanted to thank Harry Howard publicly for all the hard work he put into being Deputy Emergency Management Coordinator.

Everyone applauded Harry.  Docks are good, we have to make a note to leave the bathrooms open. 

 

PUBIC SAFETY: JIM MORRISON said he wanted to make the court report and the police report a part of the minutes.  The Mayor said he wanted to talk about the red light at 30th Street.  Jim gave the status, Paul Verbe is looking into it with the County.  Dottie said when the traffic tends to clump at a light if you’re in the left hand lane and you want to make a right turn at any of the next cross streets you end up having to go past your street.  The Mayor said he had heard through the grape fine was to get rid of the one at 10th Street and have the one at 30th Street.  Jim thinks we should let this to the experts and let them decide what they think we should do.  Than make a recommendation and we look at that from there.  Jim said the traffic lights did work.   The Mayor said people said the police just wanted to give out tickets.  This did not happen.  Harry Howard asked Jim if he received any complaints at all about the traffic lights and Jim said that he did not.  One final statement is that it was logically and reasonably done, it was two months of the year that you actually need the lights.  July and August!  Speed limits have to stay for 6 months, traffic lights do not.  Dottie said we still haven’t addressed the cross walks and said that on Hooper Avenue about two blocks from the court house where the road is four lanes they have crosswalks. The Mayor believes the crosswalks in Barnegat Light would work a lot better if there was a red light at 30th Street.   

 

WATER/SEWER:  MICHAEL SPARK asked to make the water/sewer report a part of the minutes. 

 

OPEN PUBLIC SESSION: Warr moved to open the meeting, seconded by Howard and he had a comment to make before the public spoke.  He mentioned the three members of the Fire Department who went to New Orleans to help out.  He suggested we recognize them publicly like Stafford Township did for one of their employees who went to help with the animals.  Dottie said that is a nice idea and everyone agreed.  George mentioned that we also had people who went up to 911. The Mayor said he would look into it and see if we can do something for next month.  Scott Sharpless said he wanted to expand on what he said at the last Council Meeting.  (About people and ATV’s being on the dunes.)  Clearly fencing is not the solution.  It would be expensive, it would be burned, it would be destroyed.  His idea is to turn 12th and 13th Streets into kind of nature walk.  We can put environmental educational signs with small pictures and information.  They are small, like they have at the State Park.     Education people about what is along the pathways.  We could even put signs down at the baby beach at 25th Street with something on a lower educational level to help promote education for small children.  We could put the signs on the back of the fence so they would not be seen from the road.  Not an eyesore to people living in the houses.  He doesn’t think it would cost too much.  He asked the council to please read his presentation.  Dottie said she finds that people who are vacationing here love to learn more.  The Mayor said he wants to talk to the Police Chief and the Prosecutor about people riding on the dunes.  Shirley Alnutt is very concerned about vehicular traffic on the beaches.  She sees circles and digging holes.  She only sees the tracks, not the people doing it.  Jim said if you see a vehicle on the beach all the police.  Take your cell phone on your walks.  Dave said we need to make an example of one or two and that will shut it down.  Gene Sharpless said the problem with calling the police is that the offenders are long gone before the police can get there.  Dave said we know its is happening, we need people to report it as its taking place.  Sarah Lambert said one of the unsung heros of the Barnegat Light Taxpayer’s dune grass planting is George Warr, who let Eric Stokes use his ATV.  Eric used it to good advantage.  On 12th Street 30 or 35 bundles were planted and that got washed away, the dug in a couple of bundles that were used the next weekend.  Another 35 to 40 bundles were planted at 14th Street.  Sarah said the council should look at the steep hill that is nicely planted with dune grass on 12th Street.  Scott should be commended on the work he did putting his report together.   The Mayor said anything but fences, anything but barbed wire.  Dottie said almost every street wants dune fencing on their pathways.      People want dune fencing until the dune fencing starts blocking their view and they can’t see the ocean anymore because the dunes are too high.   Pete Malacrea mentioned that Stafford Township had honored their Animal Control Head for his participation with animals after the hurricane.   He also brought up the lack of EMTs and members for the First Aid Squads all along the Island.   He said what makes the Lifeguard in Training program work and why not something similar for this.  It is very different training and so many hours go into EMT training.  The Mayor said Surf City has 15 EMTs.  We have one in Barnegat Light now.  Everybody else quit or moved away on something.  Dottie said the other thing that would help is if Long Beach Township contributed to LOSAP.  Sarah Lambert said this is critical.  Being no further public comments, Warr moved to close, seconded by Bossi and carried by all.

 

ORDINANCE 05-016

 

AN ORDINANCE OF THE BOROUGH OF BARNEGAT LIGHT, COUNTY OF OCEAN, STATE OF NEW JERSEY, AMENDING AND SUPPLEMENTING CHAPTER 17 OF THE BOROUGH CODE OF THE BOROUGH OF BARNEGAT LIGHT, ENTITLED “JOINT ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION.

 

 

The Clerk read the above by title and number and the Mayor announced it is time to consider same for passage on second reading according to law. reading and publish according to law. Reynolds so moved, seconded by Howard and carried by all.  Scott Sharpless asked when the year ran from that we said we’d join the commission for.  On a motion by Morrison, seconded by Spark the public hearing was closed. Reynolds moved to adopt, seconded by Howard. 

MOTION:  REYNOLDS

SECOND:  HOWARD

VOTE:  AYES:  MORRISON, BOSSI, SPARK, REYNOLDS, HOWARD, WARR

       NAYS:  NONE   ABSENT:  NONE   ABSTAIN:  NONE

 

ORDINANCE 05-017

 

AN ORDINANCE OF THE BOROUGH OF BARNEGAT LIGHT, COUNTY OF OCEAN, STATE OF NEW JERSEY, AMENDING AND SUPPLEMENTING ARTICLE I OF CHAPTER 144 OF THE BOROUGH CODE, ENTITLED “BEACHES”, TO REVISE THE BEACH BADGE FEES.

 

The Clerk read the above by title and number and the Mayor announced it is time to consider same for passage on second reading according to law. reading and publish according to law. Reynolds so moved, seconded by Morrison and carried by all.  Gail Wetmore told everyone what the new fees were going to me.  On a motion by Bossi, seconded by Morrison the public hearing was closed. Spark moved to adopt, seconded by Bossi and carried by all. 

MOTION:  SPARK

SECOND:  BOSSI

VOTE:  AYES:  MORRISON, BOSSI, SPARK, REYNOLDS, HOWARD, WARR

       NAYS:  NONE     ABSENT:  NONE    ABSTAIN:  NONE

 

 

 

 

ORDINANCE 05-018

 

AN ORDINANCE OF THE BOROUGH OF BARNEGAT LIGHT, COUNTY OF OCEAN, STATE OF NEW JERSEY, AMENDING AND SUPPLEMENTING CHAPTER 64 OF THE BOROUGH CODE, ENTITLED “BOATING”, TO REVISE THE BOAT RAMP & BOAT SLIP FEES.

 

The Clerk read the above by title and number and the Mayor announced it is time to consider same for passage on second reading according to law.  Bossi so moved, seconded by Spark and carried by all.  Dave read the proposed changes.  Warr moved to close public hearing, seconded by Bossi and carried by all.  Bossi moved to adopt, seconded by Reynolds.

MOTION:  BOSSI

SECOND:  REYNOLDS

VOTE:  AYES:  MORRISON, BOSSI, SPARK, REYNOLDS, HOWARD, WARR

       NAYS:  NONE   ABSENT:  NONE    ABSTAIN:  NONE

 

 

RESOLUTION 05-145

 

RESOLUTION OF THE BOROUGH OF BARNEGAT LIGHT,

COUNTY OF OCEAN, STATE OF NEW JERSEY,

SUPPORTING FUEL COST CAP

 

     WHEREAS,  paying for rising fuel cost under Cap Law will force local officials to under-fund essential services; and

 

     WHEREAS,  coming together with budget-busting public employee pension and benefit bills, these fuel costs threaten to undermine the ability of municipalities to adequately protect the public’s health, safety and welfare; and

         

     WHEREAS,  fuel costs affect virtually every municipal service, especially public safety, and including homeland security activities; and

 

     WHEREAS,  with no flexibility because of Cap limitations, any service cuts will jeopardize the public’s safety and security; and   

 

     WHEREAS,  faced with a 2.5% Cap, these vital services will be under-funded if municipalities are forced to finance them without the flexibility provided by a Cap exception; and

 

     WHEREAS,  Hurricane Katrina’s devastation all along the Gulf Coast will only further exacerbate this problem.

 

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Barnegat Light, County of Ocean, State of New Jersey, does hereby ask Acting Governor Codey to direct the Local Finance Board to grant a one-year exception to all municipalities for these unanticipated costs, retroactive to July 1, 2005, which retroactivity is necessary in order to allow fiscal year municipalities to apply the exception in their current budgets; and

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Municipal Clerk is directed to forward a certified copy of this resolution to the following:

 

1.         Acting Governor Richard Codey

2.         9th, 10th and 30th District Legislators

3.         Ocean County Municipalities

4.         NJ State League of Municipalities

DATED:  OCTOBER 19, 2005

MOTION:  MORRISON

SECOND:  BOSSI

VOTE:  AYES:  SPARK, MORRISON, BOSSI, REYNOLDS, HOWARD, WARR

       NAYS:  NONE

       ABSENT: NONE               ABSTAIN:  NONE

 

RESOLUTION 05-146

 

 

RESOLUTION OF THE BOROUGH OF BARNEGAT LIGHT,

COUNTY OF OCEAN, STATE OF NEW JERSEY,

AUTHORIZING THE PAYMENT OF MUNICIPAL BILLS

IN THE AMOUNT OF $ 524,352.47

 

     WHEREAS, the Finance Committee of the Borough of Barnegat Light has examined the vouchers presented for payment,

    

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the approved vouchers amounting to $ 524,352.47 authorized to be paid upon verification of the Treasurer that there is sufficient money in the appropriated accounts, subject to adequate signatures and funding.

DATED:    October 19, 2005

MOTION:  WARR

SECOND:  MORRISON         

VOTE:         AYES: SPARK, MORRISON, BOSSI, REYNOLDS, HOWARD

          NAYS:     NONE

          ABSENT: NONE       ABSTAIN: NONE

 

 

RESOLUTION 05-147

 

                        RESOLUTION OF THE BOROUGH OF BARNEGAT LIGHT, COUNTY OF OCEAN, STATE OF NEW JERSEY, AWARDING A CONTRACT FOR THE WEST 28th & 29th STREETS RECONSTRUCTION PROJECT.

 

 

                        WHEREAS, the Borough of Barnegat Light duly advertised for the receipt of bids for the West 28th & 29th  Streets Reconstruction Project; and

 

                        WHEREAS, at the time, place and date set for the receipt of bids, four (4) bids were received by the Borough as follows:

 

                        Earle Asphalt                                        $  63,113.13

                        A.E.Stone                                            $  87,176.00

                        C.J.Hesse Inc.                                      $  78,855.05

                        Mathis Construction Co.                       $  91,360.50

                                               

                        WHEREAS, said bids were taken under advisement and have been reviewed by the Borough Engineer and it has been determined that Earle Asphalt submitted the lowest responsible bid in accordance with the bid specifications, said bid being in the amount of $63,113.13; and

 

                        WHEREAS, it is the desire of the Mayor and Borough Council of the Borough of Barnegat Light to award a contract for the West 28th & 29th Streets Reconstruction Project to Earle Asphalt, the lowest bidder.

 

 

                        NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Borough Council of the Borough of Barnegat Light, County of Ocean, State of New Jersey, as follows:

 

                        1.         That the Mayor & Borough Council of the Borough of Barnegat Light do hereby award the contract for the West 28th & 29th Streets Reconstruction Project to Earle Asphalt at the price of $63,113.13.

 

                        2.         That the Mayor and Borough Clerk are hereby authorized to execute an agreement with Earle Asphalt for said project, said agreement to be in conformance with bid specifications and bid submitted by Earle Asphalt.

 

                        3.         That a certificate of availability of funds executed by the Chief Financial Officer is annexed hereto.  The following line item appropriations or ordinances constitute the availability of funds for this contract:

 

                                        Barnegat Light Bond Ordinance No. 2005-012

                                                                           

                        4.         That a certified copy of this resolution shall be forwarded to Earle Asphalt, the Chief Financial Officer and the Borough Engineer.

DATE:  OCTOBER 19, 2005

MOTION:  BOSSI

SECOND:  WAR

VOTE:  AYES:  SPARK, MORRISON, BOSSI, REYNOLDS, HOWARD, WARR

               NAYS:  NONE

               ABSENT:    NONE                                          ABSTAIN:  NONE

 

           

CORRESPONDENCE:

 

Request was read from Evan Washburn for the Scouts to camp on the beach October 21 to the 23.  All agreed and Gail will let Mr. Washburn know it is okay.  Thank you letter from the Fire Company thanking all who sold the T-Shirts, etc. for them was read.  Gail said the ladies in the Borough Hall did not like the color at first, but Scott certainly was right, they sold like hot cakes.

 

THERE BEING NO FURTHER BUSINESS BEFORE THE COUNCIL, ON A MOTION BY MR. MORRISON, THE MEETING WAS ADJOURNED.

 

APPROVED:                                                                           MAYOR                        GAIL J. WETMORE

                                               MUNCIPAL CLERK