HUNTERDON COUNTY BOARD OF CHOSEN FREEHOLDERS Main Street County Complex, 2nd Floor, Flemington, New Jersey March 22, 2005

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HUNTERDON COUNTY BOARD OF CHOSEN FREEHOLDERS Main Street County Complex, 2nd Floor, Flemington, New Jersey 08822

March 22, 2005

The regular meeting of the Hunterdon County Board of Chosen Freeholders convened at 1:00 p.m. in accordance with the provisions of the Open Public Meetings Act.

PRESENT: MRS. PALLADINO, MR. FUZO, MS. KARROW, MR. MULLER, MR. MELICK. Open Public Meetings Act

Director Melick said: “This meeting is being held in accordance with the provisions of the Open Public Meetings Act. Adequate notice has been given by posting throughout the year a copy of the notice on Bulletin Boards on the First and Second Floor of the Main Street County Complex, Building #1, Flemington, New Jersey, a public place reserved for such announcements. copy was mailed on or before March 18, 2005, to the Hunterdon County Democrat, Lambertville Beacon, The Express, Courier News, Trenton Times, Hunterdon Review and The Star Ledger, newspapers designated to receive such notices and by filing a copy with the Hunterdon County Clerk.”

EXECUTIVE SESSIONS

Mr. Fuzo moved and Mrs. Palladino seconded these:

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RESOLVED, Executive Session to discuss various personnel matters.

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RESOLVED, Executive Session to discuss various legal matters.

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RESOLVED, Executive Session to discuss various land matters.

ROLL CALL: (AYES) MR. FUZO, MS. PALLADINO, MS. KARROW, MR. MULLER, (ABSENT) MR. MELICK.

The Hunterdon County Board of Chosen Freeholders went into Executive Session at 1:05 p.m., and reconvened in Open Session at 4:41 p.m.

PRESENT: MR. MELICK, MRS. PALLADINO, MR. FUZO, MS. KARROW, MR. MULLER. FLAG SALUTE

Pledge of allegiance. CONSENT AGENDA

Director Melick announced: “All matters listed under the Consent Agenda are considered to be routine by the Board of Chosen Freeholders of the County of Hunterdon and will be enacted by one motion in the form listed below. There will be no separate discussion of these items. If discussion is desired, that item will be removed from the Consent Agenda and will be considered separately.”

Ms. Karrow moved and Mr. Muller seconded a motion approving the executive session minutes of February 22, 2005 and the regular and executive session minutes of March 08, 2005.

ROLL CALL: (AYES) MS. KARROW, MR. MULLER, MRS. PALLADINO, MR. FUZO,

MR. MELICK.

Ms. Karrow moved and Mrs. Palladino seconded a motion approving the payment of all claims as listed on the Claims Register dated March 22, 2005.

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MR. MELICK.

Ms. Karrow moved and Mr. Muller seconded these:

Ms. Karrow advised that the County of Warren has passed a concurring resolution supporting the quest of the Order of the Purple Heart in renaming State Highway 31 as the Purple Heart Highway. The Purple Heart Association has not heard back from Mercer County as yet.

Ms. Karrow reported the Purple Heart Association is looking for members. There is an understanding in the State that there are thousands and thousands of Purple Heart recipients and they are not members of the Purple Heart Association unless they join. They Purple Heart Association does a lot of good public service, especially with the Veterans Hospital of Lions, and they do it very quietly; but it is a fraternity of combat heros.

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RESOLVED, Josephine Coco appointed unclassified, full time Employees Board of Elections, Election Board.

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RESOLVED, David Bowlby appointed permanent, full time Correction Officer, Division of Corrections, Department of Public Safety.

RESOLVED, Jesse Winfield appointed permanent, full time Correction Officer, Division of Corrections, Department of Public Safety.

RESOLVED, Jenny Jennings appointed permanent, full time Youth Worker, Division of Youth Services, Department of Public Safety.

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RESOLVED, Sybil Hernandez appointed provisional, full time Sanitary Inspector, Health Department.

RESOLVED, Mercedes Gyuricza appointed temporary, as needed Student Assistant, Library.

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RESOLVED, Katherine Putnam appointed temporary, as needed Student Assistant, Library.

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RESOLVED, Gene Robbins appointed temporary, seasonal Recreation Leader, Parks and Recreation Department.

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RESOLVED, John Langley appointed temporary, seasonal Recreation Leader, Parks and Recreation.

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RESOLVED, Thomas Gibbons appointed temporary, as needed Student Assistant, Library.

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RESOLVED, 2005 salaries for Correction Supervisors, covered under FOP 133 contract.

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RESOLVED, Approving an agreement with Pino Consulting Group, Inc., to assist in the preparation of indirect cost allocation plans and indirect cost rates based upon financial and statistical information for fiscal year ending December 31, 2003 and 2004, and to assist with completing the County’s Welfare Agency Monetary Allowance in Lieu of Rent Forms and Title IV-D request for Allowance in Lieu of Rent Forms, in the amount not to exceed $34,500.

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RESOLVED, Approving an agreement to Return Leased Equipment under Section 5310 for three vehicles, in Human Services.

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RESOLVED, Approving an application with the NJ Department of Environmental Protection for a Stream Encroachment Permit, for stream and culvert improvements associated with Spruce Run at Crystal Springs County Park.

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RESOLVED, Approving the appointment of Donald Goehe, to the Open Space Advisory Committee.

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RESOLVED, Authorizing the release of a Road Opening Bond, to Mike Barna Building Contractors, Inc., in the amount of $1,000.

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RESOLVED, Approving Change Order #1, for Bid #2004-28, for the reconstruction of County Culvert Q-6, over a Tributary of the Neshanic River, on County Route 613, in Raritan Township, to Tilcon New York, increase of $804.70.

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RESOLVED, Authorizing final payment for Bid #2004-28, for the reconstruction of Culvert Q-6, over a Tributary of the Neshanic River, on County Route 613, in Raritan Township, to Tilcon New York, Inc., in the amount of $134,040.96.

RESOLVED, Approving Change Order #1, for Bid #2004-48, for the reconstruction of County Bridge D-481, on Strimples Mill Road, in Delaware Township, with H & G Contractors, Inc., increase of $38,692.50.

RESOLVED, Approving Change Order #2, Final, for Bid #2004-49, for the replacement of County Bridge N-3, over Beaver Brook and the reconstruction of the Leigh Street and NJ Route 173 Intersection, with R & R Construction Co., Inc., increase of $31,286.60.

RESOLVED, Approving Application for payment #10, for Bid #2003-38, for Renovations and Addition to the Route 12 County Library Headquarters, for Rampart Construction (general construction, in the amount of $123,480.

RESOLVED, Approving Application for payment #7, for Bid #2003-38, for Renovations and Addition to the Route 12 County Library Headquarters, for Mid-Atlantic Mechanical, Inc., (HVAC), in the amount of $19,492.21.

RESOLVED, Approving Application for payment #8, for Bid #2003-38, for Renovations and Addition to the Route 12 County Library Headquarters, for Mid-Atlantic Mechanical, Inc., (HVAC), in the amount of $16,362.80.

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RESOLVED, Approving Application for payment #11, for Bid #2003-38, for Renovations and Addition to the Route 12 County Library Headquarters, for Tore Electric Company, Inc., (electrical work), in the amount of $19,306.01.

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RESOLVED, Approving Application for payment #8, for Bid #2003-38, for Renovations and Addition to the Route 12 County Library Headquarters, for Don Pizzolato, Inc., (plumbing, drainage and sprinkler system), in the amount of $97,706. (This application is subject to Don Pizzolato, Inc. receiving DCA approval for the sprinkler system. Payment will be released once Don Pizzolato, Inc. has provided written proof of DCA’s approval.)

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RESOLVED, Approving Application for payment #11, for Bid #2003-13, for the historic Restoration of the Hunterdon County Court House, for Watertrol, Inc., in the amount of $313,913.70.

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RESOLVED, Recognizing Stephen E. Riche for attaining the designation of Eagle Scout.

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RESOLVED, Recognizing Douglas W. Zarbock for attaining the designation of Eagle Scout.

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RESOLVED, Approving the revised resolution supporting State Highway 31 be renamed the Purple Heart Highway.

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RESOLVED, Approving a contract with Miller, Porter and Muller, P.C., for legal services for the Planning Board, in an amount not to exceed $30,000.

MR. MELICK.

PUBLIC SESSION

Ms. Karrow advised she asked John Beckley, County Health Director to come before the Board today. There is a licensed pharmacist, Marc Peters, who started a not for project program, by way of collecting funds to provide medicines for people who are at poverty level in Hunterdon

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County. This individual has gotten pharmaceuticals to donate drugs as well. This is a supplement to the County’s General Assistance Prescription Program. Mr. Peters has the support of the County’s Health Department and the Hunterdon Medical Center and he will be doing a formal presentation to the Board of Freeholders at the April 26, 2005 agenda. In early May, Mr. Peters group is putting out a book and the Medical Center and the County Health Department’s names are appearing on it as support and Mr. Peters would like to have the Board of Freeholders name appear on the book also.

Mrs. Yard advised Human Services was asked to endorse this. Mr. Peters has had dialog with the Director of Human Services on supporting this program also.

Ms. Karrow said this is a big program, which is being launched nationally.

Mr. Beckley stated Hunterdon County is being used as a model to show how to organize a community, get donations and partner with various organizations to deliver a program that provides primary and secondary prevention. This will help prevent stokes and heart attacks form happening to high risk populations or for the low income population and it also helps these populations better manage their conditions. This program includes a nurse educator, which is currently at Phillips Barber Family Health Center, in Lambertville, at the Del-Val Family Health Center, in Milford, at all the hospital home practices and the public health nurses are doing referrals into the system.

Ms. Karrow asked if the Freeholder Board could endorse this in name, so the Freeholder’s name can be placed in Mr. Peters’ brochure and have him come before the Board of April 26, 2005 to explain the whole program. Mrs. Palladino moved and Ms. Karrow seconded a motion endorsing Mr. Peters’ supplement to the County’s General Assistance Prescription Program and allowing the Board’s name to be placed on the brochure for this program.

ROLL CALL: (AYES) MRS. PALLADINO, MS. KARROW, MR. FUZO, MR. MULLER,

MR. MELICK.

County Counsel DeSapio recommended the Board review the brochure. Ms. Karrow will email the brochure to County Counsel.

PUBLIC SESSION

There were no questions or comments from the public at this time. COUNTY UPDATE

Cynthia J. Yard, County Administrator, reported the County’s Planning Director is leaving and the County is actively pursuing hiring a new Planning Board Director.

Mrs. Yard reported members of the Space Allocation Committee are here today, to discuss the fees and use of the historic Court House. When the County entered into the grant to restore the Court House back to circa 1935, they discussed what services/entitles would be placed in the building. The building is getting close to completion, so the Space Allocation Committee wanted to bring back to the Board, in light of County Counsel’s guidance about the use of public space for entities other than County government.

Mrs. Yard said the Facilities Evaluation Committee feels there needs to be a County presence in the building. She asked the Board if the original intent of using the building as a museum and for official events was still valid. Whateve is finally determined, the use needs to be narrowly defined and offered within the confines of the law.

Mrs. Yard stated the Facilities Allocation Committee was asked to review the rates for use of the building. Mr. Muller confirmed that was a concern of his. Mrs. Yard advised there are theatrical events that take place in the Court House, such as the Lindberg presentation. She said the rate is currently at $75 per hour, for setup, preparation, cleaning and dismantling for the use of the facility. If admission is charged and the sponsoring entity did not have the appropriate non-profit status, the there was the additional 5% of the gross of the ticket sales. If admission was charged and the sponsoring entity did not have the appropriate non-profit status, the fee would be the established $75 per hour.

Mrs. Yard reported the Facilities Evaluation Committee wanted to tie the Court House use into the guidelines, which the Freeholders approved a few months ago regarding the use of County Buildings/Meeting Rooms. The same guidelines would apply, except for the rate. In the County Guidelines for Meeting Rooms, the rate is $30 per hour when the facility needs to be opened or closed, or have someone present.

Ms. Karrow said if Flemington Borough wants to have a town meeting, how would they be charged and asked if municipalities are being charged. Mrs. Yard said the $75 fees was designed for shows or presentations. If a municipality wanted to have a meeting in the building, and it was during normal working hours, there would not be any additional charge. Mr. Fuzo feels if it’s a night meeting, the Freeholders would be able to waive the fee. Mrs. Yard said in the guidelines, it states at any point the Freeholders can waive any charge.

Mrs. Yard said the Facilities Evaluation Committee is interested in finding out the sentiment of the Board of Freeholders, as far as how to proceed with who or what services would occupy that building.

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Ms. Karrow advised Flemington Borough used to hold a movie night at the historic Court House. She asked how that was handled. Denise Doolan, Clerk of the Board, informed the Board that Flemington Borough contracted with the County to use the court room in the building for movie night. There was a fee for having a Sheriff’s Officer present.

John P. Glynn, a member of the Facilities Evaluation Committee, stated the Committee is asking about the other spaces in the building. There was talk about having a museum such as an attorney’s office from the 1930, having items from Flemington Cut Glass, or Stangl Pottery and such which would be in a showcase. Those are the issues that need to be focused on because what would happen if another agency comes and asks to put another show on in the building. Mr. Fuzo doesn’t feel the Board wants to make anything permanent in the facility.

Mr. Muller said he would like to bring this matter up at the Cultural and Heritage Commission meeting at the end of the month. Mr. Fuzo feels Mr. Muller can bring it up to them, but the decision will be made by the Freeholders. Mr. Muller understands.

Ms. Karrow feels Mr. Fuzo’s idea of having items temporarily because she is aware that the Bar Association would like to have a museum room and the Fulper Stangl people want a room for their collection of books so that people can do research and that might be more fitting for the Library to have and they also want to have display cases filled with Fulper and Stangl pottery. She likes the idea of saying to people that the items will be on loan to the County for an unlimited amount of time but it is not permanent. Mr. Fuzo said that brings up the issue of who is going to staff it and how it will be staffed and what the hours will be and that can cause major problems. He recommended moving the Sheriff back into the Court House.

Mrs. Yard asked the Board to start thinking about this. Ms. Karrow confirmed if County offices are located in the Court House, then the building would be opened from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, and on weekends there could be performances or uses of the Court House so people would have access to collections, but a Sheriff’s Officer would have to be in the building.

Mr. Glynn advised the Facilities Evaluation Committee felt there needed to be some County presence in the Building, and if there are going to be museum hours, then hours have to be set hours for that and you would have to be responsible for the property of individuals using the facility.

Director Melick said the object of this building, is to keep it pure after renovations, not to clutter it. This building was designed and intended to house the law, government and to hold ceremonies. Ms. Karrow stated there were always display cases on the first floor. Mr. Fuzo added that the court room was always meant to be the largest court room for the County. Mr. Muller feels the Board needs to think this over because we should analyze if there is a need from the County to use the space, such as for the Sheriff. The Board needs to look at the space needs of the County’s employees first.

Ms. Karrow said the Board needs to analyze if it wants to decommission that court room, as a court room, after the recent shooting of a judge or the Board needs to consider what it would cost to retrofit that room for safety. Director Melick agreed the court room should be decommissioned. Mr. DeSapio advised if the Board is going to tell people they can’t use the facility, there has to be some kind of standard placed in the guidelines to use the facility.

CORRESPONDENCE

A request was received from Susanne Mirota, for permission to plant a tree or bush, with a plaque attached in the Memorial Garden, of the County Parks and Recreation Department. Mr. Fuzo moved and Ms. Karrow seconded a motion granting permission provided this is coordinated through the County Department of Parks and Recreation.

ROLL CALL: (AYES) MR. FUZO, MS. KARROW, MR. MULLER, MRS. PALLADINO,

MR. MELICK.

Correspondence was received from Somerset Wheelmen, requesting permission to hold their annual time trials on Saturday, April 9, 2005, on Route 629 (Pleasant run Road), fro 8 am until 9:30 am. Mr. Fuzo moved and Ms. Karrow seconded a motion granting permission provided this is coordinated through the County Department of Roads, Bridges and Engineering.

MR. MELICK.

FINANCE

Ms. Karrow moved and Mrs. Palladino seconded this:

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RESOLVED, Approving the cancellation of a grant receivable from the State and Local All Hazards, Emergency Operations Planning Program, in the amount of $20,000.

ROLL CALL: (AYES) MS. KAROW, MRS. PALLADINO, MR. FUZO, MR. MULLER,

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Mrs. Palladino moved and Mr. Muller seconded this:

RESOLVED, Approving transfers in certain 2004 Appropriation Reserve Accounts. ROLL CALL: (AYES) MRS. PALLADINO, MR. MULLER, MR. FUZO, MS. KARROW,

MR. MELICK.

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RESOLVED, Approving a resolution to Exceed the County Budget Appropriation Limits and to Establish a CAP Bank.

ROLL CALL: (AYES) MRS. PALLADINO, MR. MULLER, MR. FUZO, MS. KARROW,

MR. MELICK.

Mr. Muller moved and Ms. Karrow seconded this:

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RESOLVED, Authorizing the late introduction of the Hunterdon County Budget. ROLL CALL: (AYES) MR. MULLER, MS. KARROW, MR. FUZO, MR. MULLER,

MS. KARROW.

Mrs. Palladino moved and Ms. Karrow seconded this:

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MR. MELICK.

Questions answered by Charles Balogh, Jr., County Treasurer, on the Budget. He noted that this budget will result in a little over a 3 cent decrease in the County tax rate.

GRANTS

Ms. Karrow moved and Mr. Fuzo seconded this:

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RESOLVED, Approving Area Plan Grant #10-027/038, to provide hot noontime meals and adult day care services at Briteside Adult Day Care Centers, in the amount of $4,950 in state funds and $38,648 in federal funds.

ROLL CALL: (AYES) MS. KARROW, MR. FUZO, MR. MULLER, MRS. PALLADINO,

MR. MELICK.

Mr. Fuzo moved and Ms. Karrow seconded this:

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RESOLVED, Approving Area Plan Grant #10-046, to provide safety related home rehabilitation and repair to seniors, in the amount of $11,900 in state funds.

MR. MELICK.

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RESOLVED, Approving Area Plan Grant #10-055/056, to provide information and assistant, physical fitness and education services to seniors, in the amount of $39,375 in state funds.

MR. MELICK.

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RESOLVED, Approving Area Plan Grant #10-061/067, to provide caregiver support group meetings and in-home counseling for caregivers of seniors, in the amount of $38,244.

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Ms. Karrow moved and Mr. Muller seconded this:

RESOLVED, Approving a Stormwater Regulation Program grant application, for the County Department of Roads, Bridges and Engineering.

ROLL CALL: (AYES) MS. KARROW, MR. MULLER, MR. FUZO, MRS. PALLADINO,

MR. MELICK.

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RESOLVED, Approving the renewal of the Local Law Enforcement Block Grant, (federal share: $3,510, match: $390), in the amount of $3,900.

MR. MELICK.

FARMLAND PRESERVATION

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RESOLVED, Approving the acquisition of a development easement under the PIG Program, from Hamewith Farms, Inc., (SADC-$715,200, County-$238,400, Township-$238,400), in the amount of $1,192,000.

MR. MELICK.

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RESOLVED, Approving the acquisition of a development easement under the PIG Program, from Edward and Janne Jurasek, (SADC-$254,400, County-$79,500, Township-$79,500), in the amount of $413,400.

MR. MELICK.

Ms. Karrow moved and Mr. Muller seconded this:

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RESOLVED, Approving the acquisition of a development easement under the PIG Program, from the Estate of Orville Rounsaville, (SADC-$294,650, County-$83,425, Township-$83,425), in the amount of $461,500.

ROLL CALL: (AYES) MS. KARROW, MR. MULLER, MR. FUZO, MRS. PALLADINO,

MR. MELICK.

ROADS and BRIDGES Update

John P. Glynn, Director, Roads, Bridges and Engineering updated the Board on various County road and bridge projects. State aid funds have been received for this year. Local Aid has informed Mr. Glynn that they will not eliminate State aid but they did not advise if it will maintain the same value.

Mr. Glynn reported the State Route 31 project is ahead of schedule, with the deck being poured at the corner of Bartles Corner Road and Route 31 sometime around the first week in May. The contractor has placed drums in the road because they need a path of construction to the site and they will not remove the drums. Ms. Karrow asked if signage could be placed in that area advising of the driveway, such as to Health Quest. People are suddenly braking to make the turn into Health Quest. There is no warning advising of this driveway, making it a dangerous situation. Mr. Glynn will contact the State about signage.

PROJECTS:

• A preconstruction meeting is scheduled for County Route 610, in Frenchtown Borough, on Tuesday, March 29, 2005. This project includes paving, drainage and sidewalks. It is a federal aid project.

• Storm drainage is on-going on County Route 513.

• Construction is scheduled to begin on April 4, 2005 for County Route 513, running from Pittstown to State Route 78.

• The traffic calming plans for County Route 645, in the New Hampton area.

• Utility relocation is scheduled for Bridge FC-62, on Hamden Road, in Clinton and Franklin Townships.

• Final clean up, painting and landscaping will be completed on Bridge D-388 on Locktown-Flemington Road, will be completed by April 15, 2005.

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• Final plans and specifications have been forwarded to the Purchasing and Legal for Bridge A-4, on County Route 614.

• A revised scope of services has been received in connection with Bridge L-92-W, on New Hampton Road. A contract modification needs to be completed, it is currently with Warren County for review.

• Right of way acquisition is almost completed for Bridge R-147, on Old York Road. Legal action is necessary for the final property. The project will be advertised in April, 2005. • Footing excavation on Hunterdon’s side of Bridge B-5-W should be completed by April 1,

2005. The pier and abutment on Warren County’s side is complete. The trusses should be delivered some time in May.

• Stream encroachment and wetlands permit plans have been received from DEP for Bridge T-87, on Main Street/Guinea Hollow Road. Documents are being worked on for the right of way. This project should be bid this year sometime.

• A public information meeting needs to be scheduled for Bridge L-110-M, on Vernoy Road. Morris County is the lead agency for this project.

• Right of way issues need to be worked on for Bridge R-165 on Barley Sheaf Road. This project is moving very slowing. Reports and applications have been made to DEP. There is an issue about stabilization of the realignment of the stream and there is also the historical issue to be considered.

• The four (4) precast boxes for Bridge R-84, on Dreahook Road are scheduled for installation on March 23, 2005. The bridge should be opened by the end of April.

• The State Historic Preservation Office has authorized a two (2) lane structure with 24’ clearing between railing for Bridge T-61, on Potterstown Road, in Tewksbury. The plans will be fine tuned for a 2006 construction.

• Bridge R-24 on Mill Street will be closed on April 5, 2005. The detour has been posted. A superstructure deck replacement will be done.

• The contract is putting the stone veneer on Bridge Q-28. The project should be completed by April 11, 2005.

• Correspondence has been received regarding County Route 517, (Warren Glen Hill) Safety Improvements. The County needs to get a concurrence letter from DEP based on what DOT has told the County.

• The alternative analysis for Bridge D-300, on Raven Rock-Rosemont Road, has been received and is being reviewed. Also received is the category exclusion document, so the project can now to into the next phase.

• Shop drawings have been received for the truss on Mill Road, which is being reviewed in-house and the contractor should be starting the project in June, 2005.

• A draft scope has been forwarded to NJTPA for Bridge RQ-179.

• A contract modification has been received in order to comply with the new stormwater regulations for two intersections, one on River Road/County Route 523 and Route 612/523. The County needs to go back to State to get authorization to construct.

Mr. Muller moved and Ms. Karrow seconded a motion authorizing a contract modification be approved for the design consultant, in the amount of $8,000, in order to meet the stormwater regulations and to figure out where to put the bio-basins, for two intersections, one on River Road/County Route 523 and Route 612/523.

Mr. Muller directed Mr. Glynn to set a meeting for himself and Mr. Melick to attend with Studer and McEldowney, in order to tighten up this project.

ROLL CALL: (AYES) MR. MULLER, MS. KARROW, MR. FUZO, MRS. PALLADINO,

MR. MELICK.

Mr. Glynn advised the County has a problem with its traffic striping truck. The County can’t do striping as it has been done, O.S.H.A. has put a stop to that. Money was put in the budget but in order to continue the program, there is a truck available from Garden State Trucking, and it would allow someone to sit inside the cutout of the body to drop cones. The truck also has a device to protect the truck as striping is being done. Director Melick confirmed this would be a purchase, not a lease. Mr. Glynn advised the truck is very used with around 800,000 miles on it. Ms. Karrow confirmed Mr. Glynn would purchase this truck and not an additional striping truck. Mr. Glynn explained he would like to purchase the truck and put the body on a newer extended vehicle. Mr. Fuzo moved and Mr. Muller seconded a motion authorizing Mr. Glynn to purchase the striping struck from Garden State Trucking. Purchasing will be quoting the vehicle. The not to exceed amount if $25,000.

ROLL CALL: (AYES) MR. FUZO, MR. MULLER, MS. KARROW, MRS. PALLADINO,

MR. MELICK.

Mr. Glynn advised a contract modification is needed with Greenman-Pederson, Inc., in the amount of $20,000, in order to complete the storm water management plan.

Mr. Fuzo left the meeting at 5:43 p.m.

Mr. Glynn advised most of the issues listed in the storm water management plan legislation, the County does and the modification with Greenman-Pederson will help the County do a better job in memorializing what is done and will assist in the way it is documented. This modification will also help certify that the inlets are being routinely checked. The addition work to be performed by Greenman-Pederson will assure that the inlets are indexed and placed on the Geographical Index

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System. It will also identify all the outlet structures and their conditions. Mr. Muller moved and Ms. Karrow seconded a motion authorizing Mr. Glynn to proceed in getting this modification to the contract with Greenman-Pederson.

ROLL CALL: (AYES) MR. MULLER, MS. KARROW, MRS. PALLADINO, MR. MELICK. (ABSENT) MR. FUZO.

Mr. Muller moved and Ms. Karrow seconded a motion approving the Stormwater Management Prevention Plan as submitted.

ROLL CALL: (AYES) MR. MULLER, MS. KARROW, MRS. PALLADINO, MR. MELICK. (ABSENT) MR. FUZO.

Mr. Fuzo returned to the meeting at 5:48 p.m.

Director Melick asked Mr. Glynn to prepare the traffic accounts for 2004 for the Board. Mr. Glynn advised the counts have been flat, and generally there has been a decrease in the traffic. The County used to do traffic counts three times a year and it is currently down to two times a year because of the decrease in traffic.

PURCHASING

Mrs. Palladino moved and Mr. Fuzo seconded this:

RESOLVED, Approving Requisition #01900, with Tele-Measurements, Inc., for a video-conferencing system, for the Health Department, in the amount of $8,828.01.

ROLL CALL: (AYES) MRS. PALLADINO, MR. FUZO, MS. KARROW, MR. MULLER,

MR. MELICK.

Mr. Fuzo moved and Mrs. Palladino seconded this:

RESOLVED, Approving Requisition #01970, with Ernie Martinelli Management, for performances by the Tokens and Shangrilas, on August 18, 2005, at Deer Path Park, for the Parks and Recreation Department, amount of $8,500.

ROLL CALL: (AYES) MR. FUZO, MRS. PALLADINO, MR. FUZO, MS. KARROW,

MR. MELICK.

RESOLVED, Approving Requisition #22568, with Olympic Glove and Safety, for environmental quality instruments, for the Department of Public Safety, in the amount of $19,216.96.

ROLL CALL: (AYES) MR. FUZO, MRS. PALLADINO, MR. FUZO, MS. KARROW,

MR. MELICK.

RESOLVED, Authorizing the rejection of a bid package received for County Bid #2005-04, to furnish and deliver a 2005 Brush Bandit Model 250 XP Trailer Mounted 12” Disc-Style Brush Chipper and Associated equipment, from Vermeer, Inc., as it did not meet the County’s minimum bid specifications.

MR. MELICK.

RESOLVED, Authorizing the award of County Bid #2005-04, to furnish and deliver a 2005 Brush Bandit Model 250 XP Trailer Mounted 12” Disc-Style Brush Chipper and Associated equipment, to Seely Equipment and Supply Co., in an amount not to exceed $36,275.

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RESOLVED, Authorizing the award of County Bid #2005-05, for the Reconstruction of County Bridge FC-62, on Hamden Road over the South Branch of the Raritan River, in Clinton and Franklin Townships, to Rencor, Inc., in an amount not to exceed $1,843,541.50.

MR. MELICK.

RESOLVED, Authorizing the award of County Quote #0010-2005, for Commissioning Authority Services in connection with the Renovations and Additions to the Public Safety Building, to Dometech Commissioning Services, in an amount not to exceed $40,840.

MR. MELICK.

RESOLVED, Approving the extension of County Bid #2002-04, for automated data processing services agreement with Vital Communications, Inc., for the Board of Taxation, for an a three month extension through June 28, 2005, in the amount of $17,570.

MR. MELICK.

RESOLVED, Authorizing the rejection of all bid packages (2) received for County Bid #2005-08, for data processing services for the Board of Taxation, as they exceeded the 2005 budget amount for this service.

ROLL CALL: (AYES) MR. FUZO, MRS. PALLADINO, MS. KARROW, MR. MULLER,

MR. MELICK.

RESOLVED, Approving a modification to the professional surveying agreement with Dewberry-Goodkind, Inc., in connection with the preparation of construction plans, specifications and a cost estimate with regard to the Readington-Tewksbury TID Improvements and the Route 523/517 Intersection Improvements, for additional services, increase of $37,464.

ROLL CALL: (AYES) MRS. PALLADINO, MR. MULLER, MR. FUZO, MS. KARROW. (ABSTAIN) MR. MELICK.

RESOLVED, Approving a modification to the professional construction management agreement with Cambridge Construction Management Company, for management services in connection with the additional/renovations of the Route 12 County Library Headquarters, for additional services, increase of $33,798.

ROLL CALL: (AYES) MRS. PALLADINO, MR. MULLER, MR. FUZO, MS. KARROW,

MR. MELICK.

Mr. Muller stated the Freeholder Board, the Parks and Recreation Director, and the Parks Advisory Board met to determine how the Parks Department should be moving forward. It was decided that there should be a survey administered to the residents to see how they want Parks to move forward. The Request for Proposals (RFP) for the Parks and Recreation Department has been put out and received. The RFP was reviewed on Monday, with members of the Parks Advisory Board, Parks and Recreation Director and staff, and Mr. Muller. It was decided that the RFP be awarded in the amount of $23,000 in order to get this study done, to Management Learning Laboratories.

Director Melick asked the object of the survey. Ms. Karrow explained the object of the survey is to get a handle on recreational opportunities that our constituency would like to see happen. It was part of the original Parks Master Plan, back in 1999 and the Freeholder Board had rejected that portion of the Master Plan because there was not a real sampling done because the survey

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was sent out inside the Harbinger Newsletter, so only people who read the Harbinger responded. Ms. Karrow stated that she and Mr. Muller, as liaisons to the Parks and Recreation Department asked them to revisit the survey because that is what is supposed to be what drives future consideration of park development and what dollars are put as far as use of active recreation parks. After further discussion, Ms. Karrow questioned if this firm will be doing things that the County doesn’t want and if they only did what the County wanted, would the cost be less than $23,000. The Board directed that Management Learning Laboratories be invited to the Board’s April 12, 2005 meeting for further information and to answer the County’s the County has. Mrs. Yard will make a list of her questions for the Board prior to the meeting.

PROJECT UPDATE

Frank J. Bell, AIA, Project Administrator, stated at the last meeting there was a discussion about shelving at the Library that needs to be order. He spoke to the Library Commission on Friday and they had some recommendations, so he invited Faridy, Vice and Fraytak to come back and update the Board.

John Vice of Faridy, Vice and Fraytak advised shelving was part of the original contract. As the contracts were let out, they started coordinating shop drawings with shelving that they thought could be reutilized and there was other shelving they thought they would have to get rid of, but it can be utilized. They have gone through and looked at all the floors of the Library and categorized all the remaining shelving. Floyd Saums, Assistant Library Director, requested some additional shelving because some shelving was not in good condition. Mr. Vice advised they went through the whole plan with the consultant, as well as the furniture manufacturer, and Mr. Saums and received the Library Commission’s concurrence. Mr. Vice said they are adding additional net shelving to the building, but some costs are being reduced because changes were made to the shelving in-house that was specified but they went to a plain oak panel which is suitable for the building and the reduction was put towards the additional shelving. He stated that the Library Commission and Mr. Saums are satisfied with the approach.

Mr. Bell advised there was requested an additional cost of $130,000 and through the process of evaluating the documents and types of shelving, the cost was reduced to around $60,000. Mr. Fuzo confirmed it’s $60,000 less for the shelving, he questioned how much it costs for the additional architectural to figure out the mistakes. Mr. Bell advised there was not extra cost. Mr. Vice stated that is part of their service.

Ms. Karrow asked if the $130,000 was a change order. Mr. Vice advised it had not been presented to the Board yet. Ms. Karrow confirmed the $60,000 is an additional cost to the project. Mr. Bell stated while it is an additional amount the number has not been finalized yet. The contractor is still going through his shelving numbers. There will be another meeting with the contractor before the figure is finalized and it will discussed again at the next Freeholder meeting. He wanted to introduce this to the Freeholders since this has been discussed with the Library Commission for a number of weeks.

Ms. Karrow confirmed the shelving that can’t be used is either bad/old or because it doesn’t configure with anything else. Mr. Vice stated it’s a combination of both. There is some that is obsolete and doesn’t suit what is in the area and doesn’t fit the books to be housed on them. It is really a functional issue, not an aesthetic issue. In the original plans, it was proposed to remove the perimeter shelving but after re-evaluating it, they found there was no reason to do so. As they looked on each floor of the Library as to how shelving was reallocated through the building, in order to capitalize on the best utilization of the appropriate use of the shelves for each area, they were able to better allocate and reduce the number of larger shelves.

Ms. Karrow asked what will happen to the shelving that isn’t used. Mr. Bell stated a lot of the shelving will be reused. When the shop drawings came through the contractor placed in a wood shelf where a metal shelf should have been. The metal is a stronger shelf, and in talking with Mr. Saums, the wood shelving would be place in with wood pegs on the sides, which could potentially buckle. The metal shelving is held on brackets and is much stronger than the wood shelving. Ms. Karrow asked if the contractor bid wood shelving. Mr. Bell stated the contractor bid a metal shelf with wood side and panels. When the contractor submitted the shop drawings, they submitted a wood shelf product, which is totally unacceptable. Mr. Bell said now they have to go back and advise the contractor that the product is unacceptable and the County needs to have the correct product.

Mr. Vice stated the shelving was bid to be metal and the County is entitled to get what was specified, the metal shelving with wooden panels. Mr. Bell stated the older shelving will be used on the lower shelving and behind the new products. Mr. Vice stated the bulk of the shelving is the existing shelving. Ms. Karrow confirmed old and new shelving will be mixed on the lower level, new shelving will be on the main floor. Ms. Karrow said she doesn’t want taxpayer dollars wasted, and doesn’t care if old shelving is mixed with new shelving on the main floor. Mr. Fuzo said he doesn’t care where the shelves are located, as long as the County isn’t throwing away shelves. Mr. Bell stated that Mr. Saums has been an advocate of getting what the County Purchased. He has not spent anymore than what was allocated for the project.

Ms. Karrow confirmed with Mr. Vice that less than 10% of the Library’s old shelving will not be utilized in the facility. Mr. Vice explained where the old shelving will be used. Mr. Fuzo, Ms. Karrow and Director Melick stated they do not care where the shelving is located, as long as it is utilized.

Mr. Bell advised Faridy, Vice and Fraytak will be back at the next meeting to provide the cost estimates for the shelving.

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Ms. Karrow left the meeting at 5:23 p.m. PROJECTS:

• Mr. Bell said on a conceptual level he is introducing the wiring for Sprint. The quotes have been received and the cost is $46,482.06 and the County had budgeted $50,000 for the Library wiring. Purchasing will be sending out the contracts to Sprint.

• Tore Electric who is the prime electrical contractor for the Library, has submitted a delayed change order, which is really a delayed claim not a change order, and the architects will be responding back to Tore Electric with a letter outlining why they are not entitled to the money.

• The engineering for the South County Park submitted the documents today to the Department of Community Affairs for the nitrate dilution and revised septic plan.

FOR DISCUSSION

Kevin Richardson, Open Space Trust Fund Coordinator asked if the Board of Chosen Freeholders would like to increase the Open Space Tax Allocation percentage to municipalities. He recommended increasing the percentage to municipalities to 15%. If it is increased to 15% for the municipal grant program, he would also recommend increasing the same percentage for the non-profit grant program and keep the Historic Preservation at the 10% threshold. Mr. Muller confirmed the new figures would be 15 – 15 – 10. Mr. Muller moved and Mr. Fuzo seconded a motion directing Mr. Richardson to prepare a letter for the Freeholder Director’s signature to municipalities advising them of the increase to 15%.

ROLL CALL: (AYES) MR. MULLER, MR. FUZO, MRS. PALLADINO, MR. MELICK. (ABSENT) MS. KARROW.

Mrs. Palladino thanked Mr. Richardson for the information on the Open Space Trust Fund Program.

Ms. Karrow returned to the meeting at 6:26 p.m.

There being no further business to come before the Board, Director Melick adjourned the meeting at 6:26 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

___________________________ Denise B. Doolan