GREEN BROOK FLOOD CONTROL COMMISSION

MEETING MINUTES

LOCATION:  North Plainfeld Senior Citizens Center                            DRAFT

DATE:  March 7, 2007

NOTE: 

Adequate notice of this meeting was provided informing the public of time and place according to the provisions of the Open Public Meetings Law (Chapter 231, P.L. 1975).  Adequate notice is also given to provide copies of meeting notice to area newspapers and member municipalities and county governments.

IN ATTENDANCE :

John O’Connor – UA ACOE                              Aimin Shi – Middlesex County

Theodore Bassman-Scotch Plains                  Mark Hardenburg - Piscataway

Richard O’Connor-Engineer GBFCC               Raymond S Murray – Green Brook

Melonie Marano – Green Brook                        Anthony Addario - Watchung           

John Sweeney – Boro of Middlesex                Alice Tempel – So Plainfield

Anthony Aversa – Dunellen                              Frank & Anita Meers-  ? Resident        

Joe Debler - Piscataway                                     Frank Righetti – No Plainfield         

Frank McArdle-No Plainfield                            Ed Zujkowski - Bound Brook

Bill Crosby – No Plainfield                                 Mary Lou Viswat - Middlesex

Joe Skupien – Somerset County                      Eugene Koo – Union County       

Frank D’Aversa – Plainfield resident               Charles Defendorf – NJDEP

Steven Romeo – No Plainfield

CORRESPONDENCE

Chairman Debler read the various correspondences received by the GBFCC.   The GBFCC maintains a correspondence file that is available for inspection as may be necessary.

TREASURER’S REPORT

Ray Murray reported that the apportionment from Union County (Plainfield had been received.

All bills for the month of February were available in written form and requested to be paid.

Motion was made, seconded & approved to pay the submitted bills.

LEGISLATIVE REPORT

No report.

FINANCE REPORT

No report.

MINUTES

The minutes of the 2/7/07 meeting were approved as amended.  A copy of the minutes is available on the GBFCC website.

NEW BUSINESS

Chairman Debler discussed the trip to DC.  The GBFCC contingent met with Congressmen Ferguson and Frelinghuysen, and administrative aides of Senators Lautenberg & Mendendez to apprise them of the GBFCC’s projects and the need for their backing and financial support in the coming years.

Chairman Debler noted that Mike Breslin had revised the DVD’s as requested.

Chairman Debler discussed the upcoming annual GBFCC brunch.  He presented various luncheon & pricing ideas.  The brunch will tentatively be held on May 5, 2007 at the Willows in Green Brook from 11am to 1pm with a standard meeting during the luncheon.  Further information will be provided at the next meeting.

ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS 

John O’Connor reported there was no damage in the Green Brook basin due to the rains of March 1 and 2.

John also indicated that Col. Turtora was also making similar visits with the same Senators as the GBFCC contingent.  

Prospect Place – the ACOE prepared the transfer of documents and forwarded same to the DEP.

Conrail Bridge removal – the Contractor has submittals in and should be mobilizing shortly.  Project to be completed by the end of September.

Talmadge Ave Bridge raising – they have received a lot of interest from bidders.  All bids are due on 3/15/07.

Finderne Farm – regarding the wetland mitigation – they had a meeting with contractors to re-mobilize in a couple of weeks to repair and re-plant as needed.

Raritan River levees (R2) – they are preparing applications to be submitted to the DEP to complete the remaining work.

Chairman Debler noted that Senators Lautenberg & Pallone will be again contacted on work in the upper basin.

NEW JERSEY DEP

Charles Defendorf reported having great cooperation from the counties and other parts of the DEP regarding the project(s).

Prospect Place turnover – the attorney is reviewing & preparing documents to transfer title to Middlesex county.  There are 2 agreements – one Federal that says it becomes state land and the agreement with the County says we are to transfer ownership to the counties.

Bridge in South Bound Brook – the project was approved by the D & R canal commission.  The DEP is also dealing with arsenic contamination on the bridge embankment as to the party financially responsible for its removal.

Somerset County – the DEP are setting up agreements for operating & maintenance of the improvements to be maintained by Somerset County.

R-2 Levees – will be receiving permits from the DOT in a couple of weeks.  State funding is in place that will allow completion of the project.

Talmadge Ave Bridge – the DEP must obtain permits from the DOT who are owners of the real estate under Rt 287.  Somerset County owns Talmage Ave.  There are also easements for Rights-Of-Way that the State of NJ owns.

ENGINEERING

No report

QUESTIONS/COMMENTS FROM COMMISSIONERS 

Mark Hardenburg questioned if Winning Strategies will provide the GBFCC with reports.  Chairman Debler said he has their first report and would provide it to whoever requests it.  It was suggested the report be made available via e-mail.  Chairman Debler will research that availability.

PUBLIC QUESTIONS/COMMENTS

Steve Romeo (resident of No Plainfield) indicated the retaining wall in the back of his property had collapsed due to storm damage & with each storm it continues to cause more slippage & damage.  He also has a carriage house that will be affected in the future due to the storms.  He was told by the ACOE that the wall was not to be repaired but the river was to be moved back to its original location and more rock was to be put in to withstand future weather.  He questioned the commission as to whether the project is still being done & if there was any other information available.  Chairman Debler advised that he speak to John O’Connor and Charlie Defendorf in that the property may be of historical significance and to obtain an understanding of the scope of the project impacting his property.

Chairman Debler thanked the Boro of No Plainfield for their continued support and use of their facilities.

Chairman Debler reminded everyone of the next meeting which will be on April 4, 2007 in Dunellen Town Hall.  He also reminded everyone that the October and November meeting sites are still open.

Chairman Debler will be on vacation and the meeting in May he is tentatively scheduled for heart surgery.

Meeting adjourned.