FINANCE REPORT

No report.

MINUTES

Chairman Debler noted two errors in the January minutes. Frank Meeks name was corrected to Ray Murray and Ray Crosby was corrected to Bill Crosby.

It was also noted that (page 3 – titled Conrail Bridge removal) the last sentence should be corrected to read “the necessary permits can be acquired from the DEP to construct the Raritan River levees in Bound Brook.”

Correction was noted (page 3 – titled Prospect Place) “It was thought the area could be used by police.”

Motion was made, seconded to approve corrected minutes.

NEW BUSINESS

Funding Formula -

Chairman Debler has found a letter (dated 1/2/86) that states the funding formula. It states the “flood control commission and the following criteria is used for the population, length of flood flowing stream and counties bear 25% of the expense as generated from the total area communities.” Chairman Debler also found a letter from J.B. Wiley (dated 12/4/86) that states, “in accordance with decisions reached by the commission’s meeting held on 12/3/86. The proportions for county apportionments are exactly as compared with the previous draft.” Chairman Debler noted this letter indicated that Counties were to pay 25% and the municipalities pay 75% based on the population & length of flood flowing stream.

Legislative Brunch –

Chairman Debler stated this lunch/meeting has been done each May for the past 30 years. It is held at the Willows from 11:30 – 1:00pm and the various legislators from around the state are invited along with Commission members. Chairman Debler asked if this brunch should be continued. It was agreed to proceed with plans for this year’s luncheon. Ray Murray is to advise how much was spent in the past. Mr Debler will seek out a probable date for the lunch.

Chairman Debler stated that Winning Strategies has suggested that the commission come to Washington to speak with legislators suggested by them about the GBFCC project. Three (3) officers & Bill Crosby will make the trip to Washington next week. The cost is the $468.60 for the officers to travel by train (bill for this amount submitted at this meeting).

Alex Depizzp (Winning Strategies) suggests that any monies obtained for the project be used for the lower portion of the basing before requesting any monies for the upper basin or the total cost of the project. He also suggested the DVD’s be revised to omit the total cost of the project. The cost to delete that statement & update is $800. for 10 new DVD’s. Chairman Debler indicated the DVD would be the same except for the last paragraph that changes/drops the cost of the total project. Chairman Debler will push for the upper basin & try to speak with Senator Lautenberg to get authorization.

A question was posed – does the cost reflect the project or the cost of the DVD’s? The cost is solely for the initial 10 DVD’s.

It was suggested that additional copies be made of the revised DVD and that these be made available. Chairman Debler will check into that possibility.

ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS

John O’Connor indicated Mr Defendorf sent his apology for not attending this evening’s meeting due to a family commitment.

John announced the February 5^th release of the President’s budget that included $10 million for the Green Brook project. He noted GBFCC was the only construction project in NJ and the only flood damage project on the east coast that was funded in the 2008 budget.

John indicated the monies provided for the completion of the Talmage Ave bridge raising and the start of the Raritan River levee system. It is not enough to build the entire levee system but enough to start. Back tracking on monies, the GBFCC needs $30 million to complete all the Bound Brook flood control measures.

Conrail Bridge removal – a pre-construction meeting is scheduled for next week. The project should be completed in September 2007.

Talmdge Ave Bridge raising – is scheduled to be awarded in March 2007. Bids will be accepted in March & work would conclude in 2008.

Finderne Farm – re-mobilize in the spring with re-planting/grading starting in March 2007.

Bound Brook (548 Wheatland Ave) – vacant house was acquired with the bridge construction due to concern of the house being vacant. The building will be removed with the destruction the bridge.

It was questioned if the appropriated $10 million is being used for the initial Raritan River construction in Bound Brook only. Mr O’Connor said it is only for Bound Brook.

Joe Skupien questioned the visit of Secretary Woodley to the project. John O’Connor noted Mr. Woodley’s visit was by the invitation of Congressman Ferguson and that made a big difference to the project & how it will be viewed in Washington. He indicated the criteria for inclusion in the budget that has slightly changed. The ACOE now analyses work on a base budget that is qualified by economic (cost/benefit) criteria or risk. The Bound Brook project represents a big risk due to the partial completion of work. Mr. O’Connor was able to convey to Secretary Woodley the great risk to completed work if the balance of the project was not finished.

QUESTIONS/COMMENTS FROM COMMISSIONERS

Will Winning Strategies provide updates of their findings? Yes.

PUBLIC QUESTIONS/COMMENTS

Frank D’Aversa asked if there will be a re-evaluation for the level of protection provided the upstream communities and who can the GBFCC speak with to effect a change in the current policy. Chairman Debler indicated it was originally set in 1999. Unfortunately, significant portions of work in the upstream communities were eliminated after public comment.

John O’Connor indicated that this policy is unchanged. The only way to make a change is if the locals were to fund the difference for a local preferred plan or obtain legislative changes.

Joe Skupien explained to the commission the differences of the lower/upper basins & cost factors involved. The lower basin is protected from flooding by putting up levees and as soon as the protection is exceeded it goes to zero. The upper basin has no levees but does have channel improvements whereby the protection never stops and reduces the flow in the channel for all storms.

Chairman Debler thanked the Boro of Watchung for their continued support and the use of their facilities.

Mayor Ellis of Watchung thanked the GBFCC for the work they are doing. He suggested that a NJ representative be invited to accompany the delegation going to Washington. Chairman Debler said he would extend an invitation. Mayor Ellis also suggested the new DVD’s be provided to the various municipalities to be played at their locations.

Chairman Debler reminded everyone of the next meeting which will be on March 7, 2007 in North Plainfield at the Senior Citizens Center.

Meeting adjourned.