The notes which follow deal with some of the matters, mainly those of a technical nature, and overall fiscal nature, which were discussed at the regular monthly meeting of the Commission held March 1, 2006. These notes are grouped by subject, and do not necessarily follow the order in which matters were discussed at the meeting.
The March 2006 Meeting was held at the Council Meeting Room in the Watchung Municipal Building.
Presiding Officer, and Chairman, Joseph Debler called the meeting to order at 7:35 p.m.; and then led the Commission in the salute to the flag. The meeting was adjourned at 8:33 p.m.
THE ORDER OF BUSINESS
Chairman Joseph Debler announced that notice of this meeting was given in accordance with the requirements of the State law, and he explained the order of business: reports by the Federal Engineers, the State NJDEP, the Commission Engineer; followed by questions and comments from the appointed members of the Commission, and other Commission business; after which questions and comments from members of the public, addressed through the Chair, are welcomed.
ATTENDANCE AT THE MEETING
The meeting was attended by Commission representatives and members of the public from Somerset County, Middlesex County and Union County; the Municipalities of Bound Brook, Bridgewater, Green Brook, Middlesex Borough, North Plainfield, Piscataway, South Plainfield, Warren and Watchung; representatives from the State of New Jersey NJDEP; and from the Federal Engineers (Corps of Engineers, New York).
TREASURER'S REPORT
Treasurer Frank M. Meeks submitted the Treasurer's Report for the month of February 2006, copy attached. Mr. Meeks pointed out that the Commission has received no income thus far in 2006.
Ms. Alice Temple, South Plainfield, questioned the item of $689 for postage on the Treasurer's Report. Mr. Meeks responded that he will provide more specific information.
(Note: Attached hereto is an itemized listing of the postage expenditures for the months of September 2005 through February 2006.)
REPORT OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE APPOINTED AT THE FEBRUARY 2006
COMMISSION MEETING
Freeholder Adrian Mapp, Union County, reported on the deliberations of the the Finance Committee appointed at the February Meeting, consisting of Freeholder Mapp, Chairman, and members John Sweeney of Middlesex Borough, Bill Crosby of North Plainfield, and Raymond Murray of Greenbrook Township.
Freeholder Mapp reported that they have reviewed the invoices submitted by the Commission's Consultant (J. B. Wiley, Jr., P.E., P.P.), and have developed some questions concerning these invoices.
Freeholder Mapp continued that although they have reviewed the matter in some detail, they have not as yet been able to meet with the leadership of the Commission to fully discuss their questions.
In the meantime, Freeholder Mapp recommended that a draft of a Request for Proposals for Engineering Services to be provided to the Commission, and for Secretarial Services to be provided to the Commission, be prepared; and further that the Commission as a whole should, in due course, make a decision concerning the engagement of a Consultant, or Consultants, for Engineering Services and for Secretarial Services to the Commission.
Freeholder Mapp added that the full Commission should make the final determination.
In the meantime, Freeholder Mapp proposed that the present arrangement for such services be continued as is currently taking place.
In the meantime, Freeholder Mapp and his Committee will continue their preparation of a draft of a Request for Proposals for the necessary Engineering Services, and Secretarial Services.
Freeholder Mapp indicated that it is the intention of his Committee to have a plan for further action in place by April 1, 2006.
Chairman Debler stated that in the meantime, the Commission will proceed with the Budget as has been the case in the past.
VIDEO PREPARED BY THE COMMISSION
Treasurer Meeks reported that the video made for the Commission (at the Commission's expense) has been substantially completed. He reported that the expenditure thus far is approximately $19,300; and noted that the authorization by the Commission was for a total expenditure not to exceed $20,000.
Treasurer Meeks once again pointed out that these monies were from the Special Fund established at the instigation of then-Assemblyman Richard Bagger some years ago, for use by the Commission to deal with special situations.
In answer to a question by Commissioner Sweeney concerning the video, Treasurer Meeks responded that there will be copies available for all Municipalities and all Counties in the very near future; adding that as a matter of protocol, copies of the video will not be make public until they have first been viewed by the Members of the U. S. Senate from New Jersey, and the Members of the House of Representatives from the affected Districts.
Treasurer Meeks added that arrangement for these individual showings are now underway, and will be accomplished as rapidly as appropriate appointments can be made with the Senators and Congressmen concerned.
COMMENTS AND CORRECTIONS TO CONSULTANT'S MEMO REPORT OF THE
FEBRUARY 2006 COMMISSION MEETING
It was noted that the information beginning on Page 6 in the February 2006 Memo Report by J. B. Wiley, Jr., was (in some respects at least) redundant.
It was also noted that the Memo Report of the January 2006 Meeting, held January 11, 2006, reported that the Proposed Budget for 2006 was approved as a total budget; and that the individual items were not approved s yet; only the total budget was approved.
PROPOSED MEETING WITH CONGRESSMAN RODNEY FRELINGHUYSEN
Commissioner William Crosby, North Plainfield, reported that there are indications that Freeholder Peter Palmer of Somerset County is in discussion with the Office of Congressman Frelinghuysen concerning Federal support for the Project.
VISIT BY RICHARD TORRACA OF SENATOR LAUTENBERG'S NEWARK OFFICE
Chairman Joseph Debler reported that a meeting was recently held with Mr. Richard Torraca, of the Newark Office of Senator Lautenberg.
Mr. Torraca came to the Corps of Engineers Job Site Office, in Bound Brook Borough, and had an opportunity to review the maps and plans for the work in Bound Brook Borough.
Thereafter, an advance copy of the video made by the Commission was shown to Mr. Torraca; and arrangements were initiated for Mr. Torraca to arrange a meeting at which Senator Launtenberg can be present at his Newark Office, to be shown this video prepared by the Commission.
Chairman Debler reported that after the discussions and showing of the video, Mr. Torraca was taken on an automobile tour of the construction now underway in the Borough of Bound Brook, and the portions which have been substantially completed along the Middle Brook, and at the Billian Legion Park vicinity.
Chairman Debler further reported that he has been in discussion with the Office of Congressman Ferguson on the matter of Federal Appropriations for the work of the Corps of Engineers in the next Federal fiscal year (FY2007, beginning October 1, 2006).
PROPOSED RESOLUTIONS ADDRESSED TO CONGRESS
Legislative Committee Chairman Frank McArdle presented a form of a Proposed Resolution which the constituent Municipalities and Counties will be urged to adopt.
This Resolution is addressed to Congress, and urges that "at least $30 million be authorized and allocated in the Federal FY2007 Budget for use by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for the continued design and construction of the Green Brook Flood Control Project".
Copies of this Proposed Resolution were made available by Mr. McArdle to all persons present, and a copy is attached.
Legislative Committee Chairman McArdle urged that all of the constituent Municipalities and Counties bring this Proposed Resolution before their Governing Bodies, and urge that each of the Municipalities and Counties adopt a Resolution along these lines, making clear to Congress the importance of continued Appropriations so that the Project for protection of all the Municipalities and Counties within the Green Brook Basin can continue to be carried forward.
REPORT BY FEDERAL ENGINEERS - JOHN O'CONNOR, P.E.
John O'Connor, P. E., Federal Engineers Project Manager, reported that the Commanding Officer of the New York District of the Corps of Engineers, Colonel Polo, has met with Congressman Frelinghuysen, Congressman Ferguson, and U.S. Senators Menendez and Lautenberg, to review with them the status of projects within New Jersey, specifically including the Green Brook Flood Control Project.
Mr. O'Connor reported that Colonel Polo conveyed to these Legislators that the "capability" for the Federal Engineers to make progress on the Green Brook Flood Control Project in the next Federal fiscal year (FY2007) is $30,000,000.
The significance of this capability is that the Corps of Engineers is prepared and able to make progress on the Green Brook Flood Control Project in the next Federal fiscal year to the extent of $30 million.
The implication, of course, is also that the Project will not be moving forward as fast as it could be, if the Appropriation made available for the Project is less than $30 million for next year.
Mr. O'Connor added that, as all interested persons are already aware, the proposal by the President for the Federal Budget for FY2007 is for no money at all for the Green Brook Flood Control Project.
STATUS OF CONSTRUCTION AND/OR DESIGN FOR CONSTRUCTION OF PROJECT
ELEMENTS
Talmage Avenue Bridge
John O'Connor, P. E. , Federal Engineers, reported that "90% complete" plans for the Talmage Avenue Bridge are expected to be completed by April 1, 2006.
Mr. O'Connor pointed out, however, that at the present time there is no money appropriated for the construction of this new and higher bridge.
Conrail Bridge
John O'Connor, P.E., Federal Engineers, reported that the design work for the removal of this old, disused Conrail bridge over the Raritan River is nearing completion, but, as with other elements of the Project, there is no money for construction.
Levee Along the Raritan River - Segment R2
John O'Connor, P.E., Federal Engineers, reported that the design work for this substantial levee is proceeding, with the expectation that the Federal Engineers would be "ready to advertise" for construction by July 2006; but, as with the other work on the Project, there is at present no money available for construction.
Mr. O'Connor reported that the design work for the large pumping station which is part of the final protection for the Borough of Bound Brook, to gather up internal rainfall within the southwestern portion of the Borough of Bound Brook, and pump this internal rainwater over the levee and into the Raritan River, has been suspended for the lack of necessary money from the Federal Government.
Baseball Playing Field at Billian Legion Park
John O' Connor, P. E. , Federal Engineers, reported that the baseball playing field at Billian Legion Park continues to be expected to be complete by May 1, 2006.
Little League Baseball Planing Field - Segment RI
As reported at earlier meetings, John O'Connor, P. E. , Federal Engineers, confirmed that the Little League baseball playing field along the Middle Brook continues to be expected to be complete and ready for use by May 1, 2006.
FINDERNE FARM WETLANDS MITIGATION SITE
Charles Defendorf, P.E., NJDEP, reported that the Finderne Farm Wetlands Mitigation Site construction is making "phenomenal progress". There are some 70,000 cubic yards of soil being moved.
Mr. Defendorf noted that new growing plants are presently under cultivation in a number of greenhouses, for transplanting to this Wetlands Mitigation Site when the necessary construction work has been accomplished.
EFFECT ON "GREEN ACRES" IN BOUND BROOK BOROUGH
In response to a question from Commissioner Crosby of North Plainfield concerning the provision of replacement "Green Acres" by the Borough of Bound Brook, Charles Defendorf, P. E. , NJDEP, indicated that this matter has not yet been resolved; and that he was unable to comment further on the matter at this time.
STATUS OF VACANT PROPERTIES ON PROSPECT PLACE, MIDDLESEX BOROUGH
It will be remembered that approximately nine properties containing houses on Prospect Place in Middlesex Borough were acquired, at the request of the Borough, by the Federal Government a few years ago.
The houses were removed, and the land restored to a natural condition.
Commissioner John Sweeney, Middlesex Borough, raised a question concerning these properties: Has the State taken title yet (from the Federal Government)?
John O' Connor, P. E. , Federal Engineers, responded that Mary Daly, Corps of Engineers Real Estate Specialist on this Project, is working on the matter, and in due course title will be transferred to the State (who may then transfer title to Middlesex County).
PROTECTION FOR THE UPPER PORTION OF THE GREEN BROOK BASIN
John O'Connor, P.E., Federal Engineers, reported that they are presently "scoping out" the work which will need to be accomplished in order to create a new plan for the flood protection of the Upper Portion of the Basin.
Based on previous commitments from the Federal Engineers to the Commission, it is presumed that a copy of their Proposed Scope of Work to create the necessary plan will be discussed with the Commission before final decisions are made.
For several decades, the Green Brook Flood Control Commission has been the only flood control commission established within New Jersey in accordance with an Enabling Act by the State, adopted many years ago.
However, that is now changing. Commissioner George Ververides, Middlesex County, reported that the South Central Middlesex County Flood Control Commission has now been formed as a joint undertaking with Monmouth County.
Chairman Debler reported that in a recent telephone discussion with the Mayor of Wayne, NJ, he has been informed that a "Central Passaic" flood control commission is being established in that area.
A very natural and logical question was raised concerning what happens to the rain which falls within the protected area (in this case Bound Brook Borough), but is unable to drain away into the adjacent rivers (Middle Brook and Raritan River) because of the levees which lie between the rivers and the Borough.
The question was thoroughly answered, including explanations as to how rain water gets taken away while the levees are holding back flood waters in the adjacent rivers.
(The answer is that drainage from the upper areas of western Bound Brook Borough is carried down in large underground pipes, inside the protected area, and discharged by gravity into the Middle Brook at locations where the level of the Middle Brook has decreased as it approaches the Raritan River. In the case of the intensely developed areas of Bound Brook Borough in the more southern area near the Raritan River, the internal rain water cannot flow into the Raritan River by gravity, because the level of the Raritan under flood conditions is higher than the level inside the protected area. Accordingly that drainage will flow to a very large pumping station in the general area of West Main Street, from which it will be pumped up and into the Raritan River. This pump station will be similar in function and provisions to the large pump station in Segment T (where the Green Brook passes under the new bridge at East Main Street/Lincoln Boulevard). This large new pumping station will incorporate the same general features as the existing new pumping station; that is, a self-contained power supply for operation when electric power service is interrupted; automatic start-up controls, and other fail-safe features.
At a recent meeting, the question was asked as to how much it costs the Commission to have an extra page in the Memo Report of the monthly meetings.
Chairman Debler reported that the answer to that question is that an extra page, when included in the regular monthly Memo Report of the Commission's meetings, represents a cost of approximately $10, based on the number of copies currently distributed.
As discussed at various meeting over the years, the responsibility for operation and maintenance of the Flood Control Project, upon its completion, will be taken over by the County of Somerset (for the portions within that County; and taken over in each County by the County authorities). This question had arisen because of the need to clear snow and ice from winter storms, so that the area through which large closure gates (such as the one at East Street, Bound Brook Borough) can be moved into their closed position under flood conditions, without being obstructed by ice, snow or anything else.
Charles Defendorf, P.E., NJDEP, gave assurance that County maintenance crews will have the responsibility for such operational matters.
It was moved, seconded and unanimously adopted that appreciation be expressed to Watchung Borough for the use of their Municipal Building, and for their continued financial support for the work of the Commission.
April 5, 2006 Middlesex County Library on Mountain Avenue, Middlesex Borough in the "Community Room"
May 2006 Annual Legislative Brunch at "The Willows" on Washington Avenue, Green Brook Township. Public welcome to luncheon subject to $30 charge for luncheon for other than Members of the Commission
June 2006 Piscataway Municipal Building.