BOROUGH OF BOUND BROOK –
AGENDA MEETING MINUTES – TUESDAY, AUGUST 14, 2012
Mayor Carey Pilato called the meeting to order at 7:30 PM with a reading of
the Open Public Meetings Law Statement.
The Borough Clerk read the opening prayer followed by the Pledge of
Allegiance.
ROLL CALL
Mayor Carey Pilato
present
Council John Buckley
present
Council Howard Wagner
present
Council Mark Hasting
present
Council Anthony Pranzatelli
present
Council John Miller
present
Council John-Paul Levin
present
Present:
Borough Administrator-Randy Bahr
Borough Clerk- Donna Marie Godleski
Borough Attorney –James G. O’Donohue, Esq.
Borough Police Chief Michael Jannone
Lt. David Czarcinski
Robert Keady- Borough Engineer
Dale Leubner- Borough Senior Staff Engineer
Mayor Pilato gave a sense of the items listed on the agenda for the public.
He noted on the agenda we will have a tribute to Jimmy Schupper from his
fellow employees.
Mayor Pilato thanked the Police, Fire, Rescue, OEM and CERT for coming
out to attend this tribute.
A special tribute to Jimmy Schupper from his fellow employees
Jimmy’s wife Debbie Schupper, daughter and family members were present.
Deputy Clerk Cindy Tierney read a personal tribute into the record of
minutes to his wife Debbie and daughter Lizzy.
The following tribute was read into the record of minutes from his fellow
employees.
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A RARE BREED
TRIBUTE TO JIMMY FROM THOSE WHO WORKED BESIDE HIM
WHEREAS, James Schupper, (Jimmy to one and all) was taken from us
suddenly and inexplicably leaving a river of tears, a flood of memories and an
eternal flame of hope, and
WHEREAS, Jimmy served the residents of Bound Brook in the Public
Works Department for 25 years from laborer to leader and was a firefighter for 17
years.
WHEREAS, Public service was not a job for Jimmy but a way of life that
was always about helping someone, whether fighting a fire, battling a snow storm or
leading a crew; never one to take credit; ever willing to take responsibility; never
one to complain; ever ready to stand for what was right no matter the price; and
WHEREAS, Family meant happiness and love to Jimmy; pride in daughter
Lizzie’s artistry and grace as a peerless dancer; pride in his wife Debbie’s
intelligence, sense of humor, decency and steadfastness; and
WHEREAS, Jimmy believed in teamwork and no job was ever too menial for
him to handle; he literally functioned equally well in executive meetings and on the
back of a garbage truck…directing traffic at a fire scene or taking command of the
scene; and
WHEREAS, Jimmy’s loyalty to family, friends and community was
demonstrated by his deeds, many done while he was in great pain; his word was his
bond and if he stood behind you, you never looked back because he would always be
there.
NOW,THEREFORE, BE IT DECLARED ON THIS DAY THAT BOUND
BROOK, HIS HOMETOWN,AND ALL THOSE WHO HAVE WORKED AND
LAUGHED WITH HIM, TAKE PRIDE IN THE BOUNDLESS ENTHUSIASM,
PROVEN BRAVERY AND FINE AND PRINCIPLED LIFE OF JAMES
SCHUPPER.
SOMETIMES, THE HERO REALLY IS THE GUY NEXT DOOR.
WE WILL NEVER FORGET YOU, JIMMY.
__________________________
______________________
Randy W. Bahr
Michael Jannone
Administrator and Friend
Police Chief and Friend
On behalf of all those who were fortunate enough to have stood beside Jimmy.
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The framed tributes were then handed to Debbie Schupper and daughter
Lizzie by the Administrator Randy Bahr and Police Chief Michael Jannone.
Mr. Bahr stated to Debbie that you know Jimmy was loved by everyone
present here this evening and those that were not able to attend.
Police Chief Jannone offered his comments stating that Jimmy was the
essence of what was good in Bound Brook. What I do see in this courtroom
is that Jimmy was an integral part of the community. He had a piece in Fire,
Rescue, OEM and CERT. He will always be with us. As Police Chief, I
was proud to have served with Jimmy.
Dale Leubner of T&M Associates offered his comments stating that they
worked very well together. Jimmy could never pronounce my last name.
He would call me Dale “Reuben”. I became a sandwich that day. My life
was better not only with working with him on a daily basis; he also became a
friend of mine. Dale noted the Police Chief made a good point on the Maple
Avenue incident this evening. He said that he would call out Jimmy’s guys
to take care of it. I do not think the Police Chief realized he said that.
Jimmy is still here with us.
Jim Suk, OEM Coordinator offered his comments.
I have known Jimmy for a very long time. You could not have said it any
better in his tribute. He did not take it as a job. In working with me in all
the floods and the EOC it was never a problem for him. He was always
there and was very calm. I really did appreciate that.
Robert Keady, Borough Engineer offered his comments.
Jimmy always had a smile, never complained and he was great to work with.
He had a great sense of humor.
Debbie Schupper expressed her thanks to everyone. She was deeply touched
with the tributes presented and comments spoken.
Jimmy Schupper was a member of the No.1 Fire Company.
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In closing, Mayor Pilato thanked everyone for coming out. It is very good
to see all the services here in one room for one purpose; for Jimmy.
On behalf of the council, he thanked everyone again for coming out and for
what you continue to do for Bound Brook and in Jimmy’s memory.
Approval of Minutes:
Regular Meeting Minutes – July, 24, 2012.
Motion moved by C. Miller; second by C. Pranzatelli; All in favor: Ayes
Abstain: C. Wagner
Engineers Report –July Activity
Mr. Dale Leubner reported on the Greenbrook Flood Control Project and
other items on his report. He noted that the gate closure test went very well.
Mr. Robert Keady reported on the road projects. He noted for the September
meeting for council to think about the next streets for the 2013 aid. The
applications are due October 16. A bid opening is scheduled for August
24th for the West Main Street Curb and Sidewalk Reconstruction.
A recommendation to award a contract for the2011 Road Reconstruction
Program West is on the agenda.
Questions/concerns from the Mayor and councilmember’s were addressed
by the engineers.
Engineers were excused at 8:11 p.m.
Presentation of communications, petitions, etc.
Mayor Pilato announced:
 Resignation Letter received August 7, 2012 from Councilman John
Buckley
 Letter received from Democratic Municipal Committee on August 8,
2012 – submission of three (3) nominees to fill vacancy
 Revised letter received from Democratic Municipal Committee on
August 13, 2012- final three (3) nominees to fill vacancy
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Council Pranzatelli asked if he could motion one of those names to fill the
vacancy. Mayor Pilato noted that the governing body received the letter on
August 13th and did not know if the council had a chance to review.
C. Pranzatelli offered comments: I know that I am the only Democrat, but I
would hope you look at me as resident, neighbor and friend. The nominees
are well known and are all qualified to fill the position.
Mayor Pilato offered his comments stating to C. Pranzatelli that he was now
asking for their indulgence and to remember your own history. He noted
again that we only received the revised letter yesterday and he did not know
if the council had a chance to review and were able to talk with those
candidates.
He stated that C. Pranzatelli brought a motion forward and asked if there
was a second.
C. Pranzatelli proceeded to clear the history of misrepresentation the Mayor
commented on. He asked for the support of the Republican Party. We need
to do what is best for the borough. Let the party politics end.
C. Pranzatelli then offered a motion to appoint “Kerry Miller” to fill the
vacancy.
There was no second.
C. Pranzatelli then offered a motion to appoint “Lisa Bogart”. C. Levin was
recognized by Mayor Pilato. He asked that the meeting agenda move
forward.
Mayor Pilato stated according to the by-laws when a motion is not seconded,
it is done. He then noted that the council shall appoint within thirty (30)
days. If they fail to appoint then the Democratic Committee shall appoint
within fifteen (15) days.
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Mayor Pilato noted that a letter was received from the State of New Jersey
Department of Transportation that Bound Brook was awarded $4,329.00 for
the Highway Safety Fund grant program for fiscal year 2012.
Mayor Pilato stated that residents should take extra precautions as it pertains
to mosquitoes.
There have been reported cases of West Nile Virus. There is information on
the borough website.
Greetings of the Public and Invitation for discussion on
agendized matters only
Carol Holub- 518 West Second Street
Ms. Holub asked what were the names of the three nominees to fill the
council vacancy.
The Borough Clerk read the three names:
Vincenzo (Vinnie)Petti
Lisa Bogart
Kerry Miller
Reports of Committees
Finance- C. Pranzatelli
Council noted the budget has not been adopted yet. A meeting is scheduled
with the Division of Local Government Services this Thursday in order to
move forward with the adoption of the budget. The committee is reviewing
ways to improve the tax collection rate, an important part of the budget. We
are also working on mailing out delinquent notices, hold an earlier tax sale
and going out for “Request for Quotes” for a property re-assessment. This
will help with tax appeals.
Public Safety - Police & Fire: C. Hasting
Council read the monthly activity report for July was read into the record of
minutes.
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Personnel-Administration-Ordinances: (Vacant)
Mr. Bahr noted there would be discussion in executive session regarding the
hire of a downtown maintenance person.
Economic Development: C. Wagner
Council noted that a discussion will be held in executive session regarding
the hire of a downtown manager.
The EDAC has expressed their concerns with open stores downtown that
have visibility through the front windows. Can these windows be blocked?
Police chief noted that you never want to have the windows blocked out.
Consider this as a code enforcement issue; the police do not have
jurisdiction to enforce.
C. Wagner will concur with C. Levin on this.
The committee discussed the USEDA funding availability for Bound Brook.
Council asked if there was any input on the Riverfest Event.
C. Pranzatelli noted that it is behind schedule. The Rotary Club does not
have a contact with a vendor to begin the planning.
Council asked for an update on the renovation to the waiting room at the
train station. Mr. O’Donohue, borough attorney stated that a meeting will be
held with the DOT and Mr. Bahr. The DOT has requested updated
specifications. Mayor Pilato asked Mr. Bahr and Mr. Keady to prepare a
memo on this and he will reach out to Governor Christie directly.
Zoning-Construction-Code Enforcement: C. Levin
C. Levin noted he did not have a report for this meeting. He will be meeting
with the departments and will have a report for the next meeting.
Public Works, Buildings & Grounds: C. Miller
Council noted he is working on the time clock for the public works
department which will be integrated with the new network system. We
created a work report and we have been very busy. Council met with Vinnie
Orofino of the department to review the work reports. Council suggested the
department wear safety glasses when performing certain jobs.
Overall the department is working well with the summer help.
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C. Wagner asked if the exotic plants on Main Street could be trimmed and
mulched. He also asked about the street sweeping schedule.
Mr. Bahr stated the street sweeping will be done on a regular basis on Main
Street and the Transit area. We will be doing the whole town next week. A
recommend to change the ordinance every third week to sweep the town. It
has been suggested by the town residents that the sweeping be done every
week.
Advertised hearings or special presentations – None
Opening of bids.
 Bid Opening was held on August 10, 2012 for the 2011 Road
Reconstruction Program West – T&M Associates submitted a
recommendation of contract award to the low bid Lucas Construction.
 Notice to Bidders advertised for the West Main Street Curb and
Sidewalk Reconstruction is scheduled for August 24, 2012.
Introduction of ordinances- None
Introduction/discussion of Resolutions :
2012-114:
Authorize submission of an application for the Bound Brook/South Bound
Brook Municipal Alliance grant calendar year 2013
Motion: C. Pranzatelli Second: C. Levin
All in favor: Ayes
2012-115:
Approve the 2012-2013 Liquor License Renewal- Cheers Restaurants, Inc.
No. 1804-32-011-006 –
Licensee has tax clearance and paid the license renewal fee
Motion: C. Miller
Second: C. Hasting
All in favor: Ayes
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2012-116:
Authorize the Tax Collector to refund a tax overpayment-204 West Maple
Avenue
Motion: C. Pranzatelli Second: C. Hasting
All in favor: Ayes
Unfinished Business Renovation of the Eastbound Train Station Waiting Room Project  Mayor Pilato noted this subject was discussed earlier in the meeting.
New Business
 Somerset County Library Commission- Bound Brook Branch –
Hannah Kerwin-Library Director advised the borough we are one year
away from the Centennial of the Bound Brook Train Station
The station opened on August 10, 1913.
Mayor Pilato suggested C. Wagner move forward to form a committee to
work on this.
For Discussion/Action:
Memo dated 8/8/12 from the Economic Development Advisory CommitteeConsider the hire of a consultant for redevelopment and downtown
economic development. Mayor Pilato noted that this subject will be
discussed in executive session. Action will be taken after the session.
 Approve two make-up dates on a Special Event Permit approved on
June 12, 2012 –
Applicant: Alan Karmin – Movie Nights at Billian Park- August 22 and August 30 – two nights were canceled due to rain.
Motion: C. Hasting Second: C. Pranzatelli All in favor: Ayes
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Open meeting to the public for comments
Lisa Bogart- 620 Watchung Road
She noted that she was not aware the downtown maintenance person was
dismissed from the position. Mr. Bahr noted it is a personnel issue and will
be discussed in executive session.
Fred Holub- 518 West Second Street
He noted that the dike is not being maintained below Union Avenue. There
are weeds and grass growing over the dike and the north side of the ball field
up to Union Avenue.
Mayor Pilato noted this could be a county issue. Mr. Bahr noted the public
works department will take a look at this.
Mr. Holub said he has been weeding downtown. Is the town going to clean
up and spray the weeds? Mr. Bahr stated that he had the two summer help
persons begin cleaning up last week.
550 Church Street
Resident stated that Piedmont/Church road is still soft. The kids want to
play on it. Also Chestnut and Church is getting bad. She cannot get out of
her driveway sometimes.
Carol Holub
She asked what the status of the Bolmer Property is.
Mayor Pilato noted that it is the financing. We are waiting for one more
utility to demolish the Scagliotta property then we can remediate the
environmental issues. The construction to begin within the next few months.
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R2012: 117: Authorize Executive Session @ 9PM:
For: Contracts; Personnel
Matters: Downtown Planner; Downtown Maintenance Person; Contract with
Somerset County-Public Works Services; Public Works Grievances
Action will be taken after the session.
Motion: C. Pranzatelli Second: C. Hasting All in favor: Ayes
Agenda meeting resumed at @ 9:40 p.m.
A resolution was moved by C. Pranzatelli; second by C. Levin;
All in favor – Ayes to hire Mr. James Kennedy as a Downtown Planning and
Management Consultant to be paid $2,500 monthly for one (1) year effective
August 1, 2012 and terminating July 31, 2013.
All costs shall be funded from the Section 5.07 contribution of Meridia
pursuant to the November 8, 2011 Redevelopment Agreement.
A resolution was moved by C. Miller; second by C. Hasting;
All in favor: AyesAuthorize the contract award for the 2011 Road Reconstruction West
Project to Lucas Construction Group, Inc.
Adjournment @ 9:40 p.m.
Motion moved by C. Levin; second by C. Hasting; All in favor: Ayes
Respectfully submitted by,
Donna Marie Godleski, Borough Clerk