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GREEN BROOK FLOOD CONTROL COMMISSION
MEETING MINUTES
LOCATION: Ben Maggio Field House
Bound Brook
DATE: April 2, 2008
MEETING CONVENED: 7:30PM
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).
IN ATTENDANCE
:
T
heodore
Bassman-Scotch Plains Joe Debler - Piscataway
Richard O’Connor
-Engineer GBFCC Jim Lefkowitz – Bound Brook Council
John O’Connor – US ACOE
John Sweeney – Boro of Middlesex
Frank Gaffney-Green Brook Bill Crosby – No Plainfield
CORRESPONDENCE
Chairman Debler read summaries of the various items of correspondence received by the GBFCC. The GBFCC maintains a correspondence file that is available for inspection as may be necessary and upon request.
TREASURER’S REPORT
Ray Murray provided the monthly report and bills for March. Bills for the month of March were approved for payment. Copies are available for inspection upon request.
LEGISLATIVE REPORT
No report.
MINUTES
NEW BUSINESS
Chairman Debler noted that Winning Strategies is working with Congressman Frelinghuysen to obtain 2009 funding.
ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS / NJDEP
For the interest of the members attending, John O’Connor provided a scope of the various projects that are ongoing and upcoming.
He noted the recap of the 2008 fiscal year has provided $10 million. The 2009 Federal budget has provided $10 million and has capability of $20 million towards the projects at hand. John noted that Senator Lautenberg is seeking $20 million for an emergency supplemental funding bill as a result of the Midwest flooding.
Talmage
Ave
Bridge
– utility relocations are continuing and the contractor is installing stormwater pipes. Work is still being done on the temporary bridge design and maintaining the same schedule with the temporary bridge expected to be in place in July. There will be periodic traffic closures between now and July due to the utility relocation.
R2 – RaritanRiver – Levee – Flood Wall - Pump Station
– 100% plans are completed. Pre-advertising for construction bids will be sent out in 2 weeks and bids are due in mid-May. John noted that Mary Daily (Baltimore district) is working with the residents to make offers and negotiations. State is also issuing a wetlands permit for that work.
R1/Hanken Road
– the state & county are working together to provide a proposal to change FEMA flood mapping so as to get relief from flood insurance.
Conrail
– work is complete with only seeding to be done. They are close to issuing an
O & M agreement for levee maintenance.
CHB & D
– regarding the question raised from last month’s meeting, Middlesex Boro has provided information and has forwarded same to URS. Scheduling is still in the planning phase until reports can be finished.
Chairman Debler questioned how Verizon and Apollo are proceeding. Mr O’Connor indicated Horizon has signed an agreement to do the work and Apollo has until 4/14/08 to vacate which he is assured will happen.
Steve Caruso (Watchung) - questioned the emergency supplemental flooding bill & what it entails. Mr O’Connor stated that as a result of the recent flooding in the Midwest, a bill was presented to the Senate & Congress to give relief to those communities affected. Since we are still in the recovery phase, we have the ability to obtain funding under that bill.
Mayor Carey Pilato (Bound Brook) stated he sent a letter to Winning Strategies to advise what the county is doing. Winning Strategies used the material to speak with Senator Lautenberg & also the Senate/House Appropriations Committee.
John Sweeney asked what the reinforced steel at Talmage is being used for. Mr O’Connor noted these are for the 48’ stormwater pipes being installed.
Mayor Pilato questioned what Verizon’s timeline would be since they have signed an agreement. Mr O’Connor stated Verizon has promised a September completion date.
Mayor Pilato also questioned the amount of footage from R2 to Talmage Ave to the river. Also, was Mary Daily successful with the McCuen properties? Mr O’Connor indicated that McCuen has two (2) properties, one of which easements have already been obtained. Behind that property, there are some property owners who would have no problem and no impact on the project. He also noted the footage (length) of the R2 is about 1 mile long. Once the pump station is in place there will be more penetration through NJ Transit.
N.J. D.E.P.
Charles Defendorf reported the following:
The wetlands permit is complete and should be mailed shortly.
Talmage Ave
– ACOE & contractors have been very cooperative and have followed up with problems that have surfaced & responded with solutions (i.e. 48’ pipes – encountered granite walls, wood cribbing, etc). He indicated there has been excellent cooperation from the NJ DOT with regard to the temporary bridge.
The interior drainage for the temporary bridge is sized for major collection with the same design features as levees/floodwalls to withstand a 150 year storm.
Chairman Debler questioned whether Bound Brook is completely permitted. Mr Defendorf indicated yes and that prior permits were held up in approval due to non-agreement between the Federal & State EPA.
Joe Skupien questioned if there has been any official word on the permit from the DOT. Mr Defendorf noted that drawings were submitted and he is to meet with the people in Freehold and provide a check to them at that time.
COUNTIES
No questions/comments
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ENGINEERING
No Report.
QUESTIONS/COMMENTS FROM COMMISSIONERS
No questions/comments.
PUBLIC QUESTIONS/COMMENTS
Mayor Pilato thanked the GBFCC for having their meeting in Bound Brook & noted the long term veterans of the GBFCC project.
Chairman Debler thanked Bound Brook for use of their facility and continued support of the GBFCC.
Listed are the GBFCC meeting dates:
2008
May – North Plainfield – SeniorCitizensCenter
June – Piscataway
July – Scotch Plains
August 2nd– Memorial Service (Mtn View Pk-Middlesex)-9:30am
September – Green Brook
October – MiddlesexCounty – Elks Bldg (tentative)
November – Bridgewater
December – Plainfield
MEETING ADJOURNED: 8:00 PM
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