The Minutes of the Workshop Meeting of the Township Committee of the Township of
Cranford, County of Union, State of New Jersey on April 27, 2009 at 7:30 p.m. in Room 108.
THIS MEETING IS IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE “OPEN PUBLIC MEETINGS ACT” AS ADEQUATE
NOTICE OF THIS MEETING HAS BEEN PROVIDED BY FAXING THE ANNUAL SCHEDULE OF
MEETINGS TO THE CRANFORD CHRONICLE, UNION COUNTY LOCAL SOURCE, AND THE STAR
LEDGER, BY POSTING SUCH ANNUAL MEETING SCHEDULE ON A BULLETIN BOARD IN THE TOWN
HALL RESERVED FOR SUCH ANNOUNCEMENTS AND THE FILING OF SAID NOTICE WITH THE
TOWNSHIP CLERK OF CRANFORD. FORMAL ACTION MAY BE TAKEN AT THIS MEETING
Present:
Absent:
Mayor David W. Robinson
*Deputy Mayor Mark C. Smith
Commissioner Mark P. Dugan
*Commissioner Martha Garcia
Commissioner Daniel J. Aschenbach
None
*Deputy Mayor Smith arrived at 8:40 PM.
*Commissioner Garcia arrived at 8:40 PM.
There were forty (40) members of the public present. Leslie Murray represented the Cranford Chronicle.
PAYMENT OF BILLS
Commissioner Dugan questioned the bill pertaining to the Bicycle Rodeo held by the Cranford Police
Department.
Township Administrator Schmid stated that the Bicycle Rodeo program is done to promote bicycle safety.
Also stated that she would follow up with the Police Department as to program specifics. Further
discussion to be held during the April 28, 2009 Conference Meeting.
Commissioner Aschenbach suggested the Police Department provide a report as to the success of the
program to determine its value.
Mayor Robinson seeking status of payments made to T&M Associates.
Finance Director Grady to follow up.
Mayor Robinson discussed payment to General Code. Seeking clarification regarding editorial work that
was conducted by General Code.
Township Clerk Rowley discussed the process involved with codification.
Mayor Robinson also informed Finance Director Grady that shade tree costs included in the bill list were
miscoded.
Finance Director Grady to correct.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Mayor Robinson opened the public comments portion of the meeting and asked if there were any
questions or comments.
Charlie Baniewicz, 142 Hillcrest Avenue, discussed a proposed increase in the Downtown District
Management Corporation (DMC) budget. Feels it is unnecessary. Discussed advertising costs and feels a
reduction in cost could be realized if circulation of the downtown magazine were decreased.
Mayor Robinson discussed the proposed increase in the DMC budget. Also discussed the proposed tax
rate in comparison to previous SID tax rates.
Forest Honeywell, Teamsters Local 469, DPW, feels the public comment portion of the meeting does not
provide employees with an opportunity to respond to the discussion held by the Township Committee.
Also discussed issues with recommendations to have the Department of Public Works (DPW) absorb
responsibilities currently being handled by outside contractors.
Mayor Robinson addressed Mr. Honeywell’s concerns with respect to DPW staffing. Also informed Mr.
Honeywell that there is a second opportunity for public comment at the end of each Workshop Meeting.
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Todd Weiland, 108 Ridgefield Avenue, Madison NJ, commended Township employees for their efforts
with respect to the budget. Feels a reduction to the Police and Fire Departments would be detrimental to
the Township. Also feels that all the departments in the Township are essential and expressed the need
for unity. Mentioned that DPW staff could not maintain its responsibilities with a reduction in staff. Also
mentioned that DPW staff is on call twenty-four (24) hours per day. Discussed the Township
Committee’s goal of achieving a zero percent increase tax increase. Feels it may not be in the Township’s
best interest and would have a significant impact on employees and their families.
Mayor Robinson recognized the valuable work of the Department of Public Works. Assured residents and
employees that this is not a performance based review. Also explained that Rice Notices are required by
law when discussing personnel matters. Assured the public that the Township Committee is not taking
any reductions lightly.
Hearing no further comments, Mayor Robinson closed the public comment portion of the meeting.
Review April 28, 2009 Official Meeting Agenda
Resolution No. 2009-159:
Mayor Robinson discussed Resolution No. 2009-159 which accepts the resignation of Roman Chapelsky
as a Class A member of the Historic Preservation Advisory Board and the mayoral appointment of
Ronald Meeks to fill the unexpired term.
Resolution No. 2009-165:
Township Clerk Rowley informed the Township Committee of the addition of Resolution No. 2009-165
to the official meeting agenda. Said resolution authorizes an award of contract to Cifelli & Son General
Construction in connection with the Safe Routes to School 2008 Program.
The Township Committee was agreeable to the addition of Resolution No. 2009-165 to the April 28, 2009
Official Meeting Agenda.
Ordinance No. 2009-27:
Discussion held regarding Ordinance No. 2009-27 which establishes a fee for zoning permits.
Construction Code Official Belluscio informed the Township Committee that there are issues with
language included in the ordinance that he needs to discuss with Township Attorney Woodward.
Township Committee consensus to remove Ordinance No. 2009-27 from the official meeting agenda.
Ordinance No. 2009-28:
The Township Committee discussed Ordinance No. 2009-28 which authorizes an amendment to parking
fines.
Attorney Fisher informed the Township Committee that the current fines could not be located within the
Township’s Code and that further research is needed before Township Attorney Woodward can draft an
ordinance.
Township Administrator Schmid to contact Court Administrator Powell for information pertaining to
parking fines.
On motion of Commissioner Dugan, seconded by Commissioner Aschenbach and passed, the following
resolution was adopted by roll call vote:
Resolution No. 2009-96.19: BE IT RESOLVED that the Township Committee will go into closed
session at 8:00 PM to discuss personnel, legal and contractual matters in connection with the 2009
Municipal Budget, the minutes of which will be released at some time in the future at the discretion of the
Township Committee:
Recorded vote:
Aye: Mayor Robinson, Commissioners Dugan and Aschenbach
Nay: None
Abstained: None
Absent: Deputy Mayor Smith and Commissioner Garcia
On motion of Commissioner Dugan, seconded by Commissioner Garcia and passed, the Township
Committee returned to open session at 9:20 PM.
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2009 Municipal Budget
On motion of Commissioner Dugan seconded by Deputy Mayor Smith and passed, a Special Meeting of
the Township Committee was scheduled for Tuesday, May 5, 2009 from 7:30 PM to 9:00 and Monday,
May 18, 2009 from 7:30 PM to 10:00 to discuss the 2009 Municipal Budget.
Recorded vote:
Aye: Mayor Robinson, Deputy Mayor Smith, Commissioners Dugan, Garcia and Aschenbach
Nay: None
Abstained: None
Absent: None
2009 Capital Budget
Mayor Robinson discussed the amount being considered for the capital budget.
Deputy Mayor Smith discussed road improvements needed as per the Township Engineer. Discussed the
need to maintain the roads and infrastructure.
Discussion ensued.
Discussion held regarding the potential for obtaining Stimulus funds for road improvements.
Discussion held regarding the paver replacement program and improvements to the parking garage
elevator.
Mayor Robinson requested a list of pending engineering projects that have been funded.
Commissioner Aschenbach seeking clarification as to the priority of the pending projects.
Township Engineer Marsden provided clarification with respect to pending projects such as a gage station
and the Hillside Avenue Tunnel.
Finance Director Grady to provide a list of funded projects for discussion at the Township Committee
meeting.
Mayor Robinson discussed the Recreation and Parks capital budget, stating that most items have been
eliminated from the 2009 budget with the exception of the Cranford West oil tank. Explained that this
item would be funded through the Enrichment Grant program.
Discussion held regarding the Fire Department’s capital budget and the fact that grant funding was
obtained for turnout gear.
Fire Chief Dolan mentioned that funding has also been requested for hose dryers.
Discussion held regarding the Construction Code capital budget.
Further discussion May 11, 2009.
2009 DMC Budget
Michael Plick, DMC Chairperson, discussed the need for the Township to maintain its downtown area in
order to attract and market tenants. Explained that the proposed DMC Budget is a decrease in comparison
to 2008 actual spending, and stated that the increase in the Special Improvement District’s (SID) tax rate
is attributed to assessments. Also discussed the salary and wage budget being proposed and the
marketing/communications budget. Also discussed maintenance costs for the downtown and the paver
replacement program. Discussed lawsuits that could result if pavers are not maintained.
Mayor Robinson discussed the funding of a Department of Public Works (DPW) employee in connection
with downtown maintenance.
Commissioner Dugan discussed basic municipal services provided by DPW versus additional service
being sought by the DMC.
DMC Director Prunty discussed the downtown magazine distributed to various municipalities. Explained
that the magazine was started to provide an affordable marketing tool for businesses.
Mr. Plick discussed electronic advertising and the DMC’s plan to transition to electronic advertising.
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DMC Director Prunty discussed efforts to recruit subscribers to the magazine and the e-newsletter.
Discussed the importance of promoting the downtown.
Commissioner Dugan feels the salary budget is disproportionate to the marketing budget. Discussed
responsibilities of the DMC outlined in the SID ordinance.
Discussion held regarding the property owners dissatisfaction with the SID tax.
Commissioner Garcia discussed the potential for reducing distribution of the downtown magazine to two
(2) publications per year and have businesses advertise in the newspaper during the holiday season.
DMC Director Prunty discussed the fact that the magazine focuses on downtown Cranford and the
newspaper does not provide the same focus. Referred to discussion that was held concerning property
owners’ dissatisfaction with the SID tax. Feels it is unfair to say that all the property owners are
dissatisfied and discussed new businesses that have invested in the downtown.
Charlie Baniewicz, 142 Hillcrest Avenue seeking clarification regarding the proposed increased budget
for marketing.
DMC Director Prunty explained that postage costs have attributed to the increase in the cost associated
with the magazine.
Mr. Baniewicz also discussed the SID tax rate that included debt service payments.
Paul LaCorte, DMC member, feels dissatisfaction of downtown property owners is measured by the
number of tax appeals filed. Discussed the need to continue to maintain the downtown.
Mr. LaCorte also discussed the competition of businesses in surrounding municipalities and feels the need
for marketing is important.
DMC Director Prunty discussed the quarterly report of the DMC and the amount of revenue associated
with zoning and construction code fees.
Deborah Leber, DMC Member, discussed the DMC budget. Feels electronic advertising should be
increased and the number of magazine publications should be reduced. Also discussed her concerns with
the increase in the SID tax rate.
Further discussion concerning the 2009 DMC Budget to be held May 11, 2009.
Ordinances required for Tier A Municipalities
Refuse Containers/Dumpsters and Private Storm Drain Inlet Retrofitting
Township Engineer Marsden discussed storm water management requirements and the fact that Cranford
is a Tier A municipality. Informed the Township Committee that ordinances regulating refuse containers
and storm drain inlet retrofitting are required for Tier A municipalities.
Township Attorney Woodward to prepare ordinances for introduction May 12, 2009.
Proposed ordinance to amend various engineering permit fees
Township Engineer Marsden discussed a proposal to increase engineering permit fees.
Mayor Robinson seeking clarification as to the typical applicant for these types of permits.
Township Engineer Marsden explained that a majority of the applicants are contractors, but some
residents also submit applications.
Deputy Mayor Smith expressed concern that residents would not obtain a permit if the increase in fees is
too high.
Township Engineer Marsden discussed enforcement if a resident fails to obtain a permit.
Commissioner Dugan does not feel an increase in fees will have an impact on the 2009 budget. Also feels
the service should be paid by the individual utilizing the service.
Commissioner Aschenbach feels most residents own a home and pay for engineering through property
taxes. Feels if an additional charge is required, residents will do work, perhaps incorrectly, without
obtaining a permit.
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Commissioner Garcia feels an increase is necessary, but also feels it should be incremental each year in
order to avoid a large increase at one time.
Commissioner Dugan suggested fees be raised to $50 as opposed to $100 as proposed.
Further discussion May 11, 2009.
Proposed elimination of the designation of Western Gateway as area in need of rehabilitation
Deputy Mayor Smith discussed the designation of the Western Gateway as an area in need of
rehabilitation. Feels the designation should be removed because of the cost and time involved with
redevelopment.
Mayor Robinson discussed the decision of the 2008 Township Committee to allow the zoning ordinance
to govern the area on North Avenue and the fact that the rehabilitation designation for this area was
rescinded.
Deputy Mayor Smith also provided an update regarding the Master Plan. Discussed the Master Plan as it
relates to the Western Gateway and explained that once the Master Plan is complete, it will govern the
Western Gateway area.
Commissioner Dugan and Commissioner Garcia support the proposal to eliminate the designation.
Commissioner Aschenbach discussed the Walgreen’s project and feels it was successful because it was
designated as an area in need of rehabilitation. Uncertain as to how adjacent areas would be impacted if
the designation is rescinded.
Further discussion May 11, 2009.
Proposed resolution establishing a “No Net Loss of Trees” policy
Deputy Mayor Smith discussed a proposed resolution establishing a policy whereby residents would
voluntarily notify the Township when removing a tree from their property. The purpose of the policy
would be to quantify the number of trees being removed within the Township. Upon receiving
notification by the property owner, the Township may replace the tree either on the property
suffering the loss or elsewhere in the Township.
Commissioner Dugan expressed concern with the potential financial impact the policy would have to the
Township.
Deputy Mayor Smith explained that the Township would use discretion when replacing trees. The intent
of the policy is to have no administrative burden.
Commissioner Aschenbach feels the policy creates an administrative requirement because notification by
the property owner would need to be recorded by the Township.
Township Committee consensus to adopt the resolution on April 28, 2009.
Proposed ordinance to repeal parking meters on Centennial Avenue
Discussion held concerning the installation of parking meters on Centennial Avenue.
Commissioner Aschenbach informed the Township Committee that he does not support the installation of
parking meters on Centennial Avenue. Discussed issues he has with the area being metered for parking.
Feels the Centennial Avenue business district is much smaller than the downtown area and does not have
commuter parking issues that exist in the downtown area.
Mayor Robinson discussed the decision to move forward with this initiative in 2008 because additional
improvements to the Centennial Avenue area became necessary. Discussed anticipated revenue parking
meters would provide and feels a source of revenue to fund these improvements is necessary.
Email/Correspondence
Proposed sign for Hanson park in connection with the Cranford Artist Studio Tour
Resolution authorizing the placement of a sign on Hanson Park property to promote the Cranford Arts
Studio Tour to be adopted April 28, 2009.
Installation of vending machine by PBA
Township Administrator Schmid discussed a request by the PBA for placement of a vending machine on
the first floor of the municipal building near the Tax Collector’s office.
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Discussion held.
Commissioner Garcia does not support the proposed location for the machine. Suggested it be placed in
another location on the ground floor.
The Township Committee was agreeable to Commissioner Garcia’s suggestion.
Township Administrator Schmid to contact the PBA and request that they determine a location on the
ground floor for the machine.
Request by Historic Preservation Advisory board for the printing of brochures and a sign for a table at the
street fair
Mayor Robinson discussed a request by the Historic Preservation Advisory Board for the Township to
fund the cost to print brochures and to fund the cost of a sign for a table at the street fair.
Township Administrator Schmid discussed the precedent that would be set if the request is granted. Also
discussed the potential for setting a cap for these types of expenditures.
Commissioner Garcia feels there are a number of committees that could request funds and is also
concerned that a precedent would be set.
Township Committee consensus not to fund request at this time.
COMMISSIONER REPORTS
Commissioner Garcia
Discussed the open house that was held by the Recreation and Parks Department. Feels the staff did a
great job, but the turnout was very low due to the weather. Stated that she is hopeful that another open
house will be scheduled.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Mayor Robinson opened the public comments portion of the meeting and asked if there were any
questions or comments.
Forest Honeywell, Teamsters Local 469, DPW, seeking clarification of the DMC budget with respect to
downtown maintenance.
Finance Director Grady discussed the cost for this service, stating that it is included in the DPW budget.
Mayor Robinson discussed the allocation of the cost for downtown maintenance between DMC and
DPW. Explained the need to reduce the DPW budget if downtown maintenance is no longer handled by
DPW.
Barbara Krause, 20 Pittsfield Street, commended the Township Committee for the decision to adopt a
“No Net Loss of Trees” policy. Discussed her concern with the Pepperidge Tree and the need for
preventative maintenance. Feels she may have found a tree expert that would provide this service “probono”.
Mrs. Krause also provided an update regarding the Airplane Noise Advisory Committee.
Township Administrator Schmid replied to Mrs. Krause’s comment concerning the Pepperidge Tree.
Discussed an analysis that is being conducted and stated that DPW is expecting a report in approximately
one week.
Mrs. Krause offered to contact the tree expert if the report being expected by DPW is not received.
The Township Committee was agreeable to Mrs. Krause offer, as it would serve as a second opinion to
the report being provided to DPW.
Hearing no further comments, Mayor Robinson closed the public comment portion of the meeting.
On motion of Commissioner Dugan, seconded by Commissioner Garcia and passed, the following
resolution was adopted by roll call vote:
Resolution No. 2009-96.20: BE IT RESOLVED that the Township Committee will go into closed
session to discuss the following, the minutes of which will be released at some time in the future at the
discretion of the Township Committee:
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Contractual Matters
 NJ Transit Lease Agreement
 Phase 5A Northeast Quadrant Stormwater Management Project
Legal Matters
 Cranford Development Associates v. Township of Cranford
 Lehigh Acquisitions v. Township of Cranford
 Pointe at Garwood
Minute Review
 Closed Session Minutes of April 6, 13, 14, and 20, 2009
Recorded vote:
Aye: Mayor Robinson, Deputy Mayor Smith, Commissioners Dugan, Garcia and Aschenbach
Nay: None
Abstained: None
Absent: None
On motion of Commissioner Dugan, seconded by Commissioner Garcia and passed, the Township
Committee returned to open session at 12:35 AM.
Minute Approval
On motion of Deputy Mayor Smith, seconded by Commissioner Dugan and passed, the Closed Session
Minutes of April 6, 13 and 20, 2009 were approved by indicated vote of the Township Committee.
Recorded vote:
Aye: Mayor Robinson, Deputy Mayor Smith, Commissioners Dugan, Garcia, and Achenbach
Nay: None
Abstained: None
Absent: None
On motion of Commissioner Dugan, seconded by Commissioner Garcia and passed, the Township
Committee adjourned at 12:35 AM.
Respectfully submitted,
Dated: April 27, 2009
Tara Rowley, RMC
Municipal Clerk