** AGENDA **
December 18, 2006
7:30 P.M.
Regular Meeting of the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Englishtown, 15 Main Street, Englishtown, New Jersey 07726.
1. Meeting Called to Order and Roll Call
2. Statement of Compliance with Sunshine Law
3. Moment of Silence and Salute to the Flag
4. Award Presentation
- Length of Service Awards
- Volunteer Awards
5. Proclamation – Proclaiming Monday January 15, 2007 to be the kickoff of the PARENTS WHO HOST, LOSE THE MOST; DON’T BE A PARTY TO TEENAGE DRINKING CAMPAIGN
6. Approval of Minutes – August 23, 2006
7. Committee Reports
8. Correspondence
9. Open Public Portion/Limited to Agenda Items Only
Limited to Five (5) Minutes per citizen to be determined at Borough Council’s discretion. Any and all situations regarding Borough Personnel, when names are implied or mentioned, are to be brought to the full attention of the Council through an appointment and subsequent disclosure through the Personnel Committee.
10. Old Business:
Establishing new Chapter to Borough Code Book, Chapter 2.100 entitled “Property Maintenance Code”
11. New Business:
A. Ordinance No. 2006-26 – First Reading & Introduction
Amending Chapter 2.126 of the Borough Code Book
Entitled “Water”
B. Resolution No. 2006-196
Authorizing Employee Vacation Carry-Over to 2007
Authorizing Purchases Over $800
Holiday Hayride – Horse & Carriages
Authorizing Purchases Over $800
Police Dept. - Shared Dispatch Services/E911 Shared Service Fee.
Authorizing Purchases Over $800
Public Works Dept. - Uniforms
Authorizing Purchases Over $800
Police Dept. – I.D. Card System
Authorizing Purchases Over $800
Public Works Dept. – Salt/Calcium Mix
H. Resolution No. 2006-202
Authorizing Purchases Over $800
Fire Prevention Bureau – Digital Camera & Supplies
I. Resolution No. 2006-203
Authorizing Purchases Over $800
C.F.O./B.A. – Office Furniture
J. Resolution No. 2006-204
Authorizing Purchases Over $800
Court Dept. – Digital Recorder
K. Resolution No. 2006-205
Authorizing Purchases Over $800
Maser Consulting - Preparation of Housing Element &
Fair Share Plan
L. Resolution No. 2006-206
Authorizing Appropriation Transfer
M. Resolution No. 2006-207
Authorizing Refund for Overpayment of Taxes
N. Resolution No. 2006-208
Authorizing Refund for Overpayment of Taxes
Block 6/Lot 14.38 Qual:c38 & Block 6/Lot 14.72 Qual: c72
O. Resolution No. 2006-209
Authorizing Cancellation of Unexpended Balance
P. Resolution No. 2006-210
Authorizing Payment of Borough Bills
12. Tax Collector’s Report – Month of November 2006
13. Public Portion
Limited to Five (5) Minutes per citizen to be determined at Borough Council’s discretion. Any and all situations regarding Borough Personnel, when names are implies or mentioned, are to be brought to the full attention of the Council through an appointment and subsequent disclosure through the Personnel Committee.
14. Executive Session
15. Adjournment
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Reynolds at 7:33 P.M.
Roll Call: Present: C/Soden, C/Simon, C/Carr, C/Robilotti, C/Cooke,
Absent: None
Also present were Peter Gorbatuk, Acting Municipal Clerk, Christine Robbins, Deputy Municipal Clerk, Laurie Finger, Borough Administrator and Stuart J. Moskovitz, Borough Attorney.
Mayor Reynolds stated pursuant to N.J.S.A. 10 4-6 notification of this meeting has been (1) Published in the Asbury Park Press and the News Transcript the Official Newspapers of the Borough, (2) Posted to the Public at Borough Hall, (3) Copy has been filed with the Municipal Clerk, (4) Copy of this agenda and the Sunshine Statement has been filed with the Mayor and Council. Thus this meeting tonight is deemed in compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act.
There was a moment of silence and salute to the flag.
Mayor Reynolds along with C/Robilotti presents the awards to the Recreation Committee Volunteers.
C/Robilotti thanked everyone for a terrific job and handed out awards to Liz Canario, Lynn Strong, AnneMarie Lutz, Leona Sperling, Pat Kirkland, JoAnne Cristiano, Stacy Watz, Janie Carr, Christina Dooley, and Lori Cooke. Special recognition was given to Christine Robbins for all her help.
C/Carr presented awards for Length of Service:
· Victor Timpanaro 10 years
· Peter Cooke 5 years
· Ed Miller 20 years
· Robert Ebbe 5 years
· Judge Newman 15 years
TEENAGE DRINKING CAMPAIGN.
Mayor Reynolds reads the above proclamation.
There being no corrections, deletions or additions, a motion to approve the Minutes of August 23, 2006 was offered by C/Robilotti and seconded by C/Simon.
C/Carr
Passed on the following roll call:
Roll Call: Ayes: C/Soden, C/Rucker, C/Simon, C/Carr, C/Robilotti, C/Cooke
Nayes: None
Absent: None
Abstain: None
C/Rucker
C/Robilotti
C/Carr
C/Simon
For the period of December 19th 2005 thru December 10, 2006 there were 8,707 total calls and 5,166 calls for service.
Mayor Reynolds opens the floor to the public for discussion limited to agenda items only.
C/Rucker responds that cost was for front-end replacement as well as brake repair and tires.
There being no further questions or comments, a motion to close the public portion was offered by C/Soden and seconded by C/Robilotti. Passed unanimously.
BOROUGH OF ENGLISHTOWN PUBLIC HEARING & ADOPTION
ORDINANCE NO. 2006-25
AN ORDINANCE OF THE BOROUGH OF ENGLISHTOWN ADDING A NEW CHAPTER, CHAPTER 2.100, ENTITLED “PROPERTY MAINTENANCE CODE”
WHEREAS, the governing body of the Borough of Englishtown determines that there exists a need to provide for establishing standards and requirements for maintenance of private property in Englishtown to protect the welfare of the entire community:
I. Now therefore be it ordained by the Borough Council of the Borough of Englishtown that a new chapter, Chapter 2.100, “Property Maintenance Code” of the Code of the Borough of Englishtown is hereby added as follows:
§2.100.1 Title
This Chapter shall be known and may be cited as the “Property Maintenance Code of the Borough of Englishtown.”
Commercial and Industrial Properties
§2.100.2 Statement of purpose
The Borough of Englishtown finds that certain unsafe, unsanitary and unhealthy conditions tend to occur at various commercial and industrial properties in the Borough
unless proper maintenance procedures are followed. Since many persons are attracted to and actually use the facilities at these commercial and industrial properties, the public health, safety and welfare require the prevention of unsafe, unsanitary and unhealthy conditions on any commercial and industrial properties in the Borough.
§2.100.3 Definitions
The words, terms or phrases listed below for the purpose of this chapter shall be defended and interpreted as follows:
COMMERCIAL OR INDUSTRIAL PREMISES OR PROPERTY - A lot or tract of land on which or on any part of which commercial or industrial activity of any kind takes place. Such activity includes all commercial and industrial uses permitted, conditionally permitted or allowed as a preexisting nonconforming use in any zoning district within the Borough of Englishtown.
EXTERIOR OF PREMISES - The exterior facades or external portions of a building and the open space of any premises outside of any building erected thereon which are exposed to public view.
INFESTATION - The presence of insects, rodents, vermin or other pests on the premises, in sufficient numbers to constitute a health hazard in the opinion of the Monmouth County Health Officer.
NUISANCE -
A. Any common law nuisance, or as provided by the laws of the State of New Jersey or ordinances of the Borough of Englishtown.
B. Any attractive nuisance, which may prove detrimental to the health or safety of the public, whether in a building or on a lot. An attractive nuisance is a condition that might tend to attract minors, out of curiosity or otherwise, and pose an unreasonable risk of death or serious bodily injury to the minor. This includes, but is not limited to, the following: structurally unsound fences or structures, lumber, trash, fences or debris.
C. Physical conditions dangerous to human life or detrimental to the health of persons on or near the premises where conditions exist.
D. Unsanitary conditions or anything unreasonably offensive or dangerous to health or safety.
E. Whatever, by reason of its condition and location, is likely to render air, food and/or drink unwholesome or detrimental to the health of human beings, or creates an unreasonable nuisance through odor or noise so as to deprive adjacent owners of the quiet enjoyment of their property.
F. Fire hazards.
OCCUPANT - A person having actual possession of any commercial or industrial premises or any part thereof.
OPERATOR - A person who has charge, care or control of commercial or industrial premises, or any part thereof, whether with or without the consent of the owner.
OWNER -- A person who, alone or jointly with others, has legal or equitable title to any commercial or industrial premises, with or without accompanying actual possession, or who has charge, care or control of any commercial or industrial premises as owner or agent of the owner or as fiduciary, including but not limited to an executor, administrator, trustee, receiver or guardian of an estate, or as a mortgagee in possession, regardless of how such possession was obtained. Any person who is a lessee, subletting or reassigning any part or all of a commercial or industrial premises, shall be deemed to be a co-owner with the lessor and shall have joint responsibility over the portion of the premises sublet or assigned.
REFUSE or RUBBISH - All discarded, useless, unusable, unused or worthless solid waste matter or materials, combustible or noncombustible, including but not limited to garbage; trash, ashes; paper, paper goods and products; wrappings; cans; bottles; containers; yard clippings; garden refuse; brush and containers of waste materials, chemicals or oil other than garbage containers used and intended to be picked up in the normal weekly scavenger collection service; debris; junk; glass; boxes; crockery; wood; mineral matter; plastic; rubber; leather; furniture; household goods; appliances; fixtures; bedding; scrap lumber; scrap metal; construction material; inoperable machinery or parts thereof; dead or rotting vegetation; excluding compost piles which are not otherwise prohibited in this article; abandoned, inoperative, unused or unusable automobiles and vehicles, or parts or components of automobiles, motor vehicles, motorcycles or vehicles of any kind, and solid commercial or industrial waste. Except that as to a business in which such materials constitute inventory or a necessary element of the ongoing operations of the business, those materials not otherwise prohibited from remaining on the property by law, shall not be deemed to be refuse or rubbish.
SHOPPING AREA -- One or more building or parts thereof, designed as a unit, to be occupied by one or more businesses for the conduct of businesses primarily engaged in retail merchandising.
§2.100.4 Effect on Other Standards; Responsibilities of Owners and Occupants
A. Compliance with code.
(1) This Article establishes minimum standards for the initial and continued occupancy and use of all commercial and industrial premises, including those occupied and used before the adoption of this code, and does not replace or modify standards otherwise established for the construction, repair, or alteration of the commercial or industrial buildings or premises contained therein. Where there are existing codes or standards for the use of commercial or industrial premises that are more stringent than the standards contained therein, those standards are not to be deemed reduced by this Article. Where there is mixed occupancy with commercial or industrial and other uses on the same premises, all such uses shall be regulated by and subject to the provisions of this Article.
(2) Where the provisions of this Article impose a higher standard than is set forth in any other ordinances of the Borough or under the laws of the State of New Jersey, then the standards set forth herein shall prevail.
B. Responsibility of owners and occupants.
(1) Owners and operators shall have all the duties and responsibilities prescribed in this Article and no owner or operator shall be relieved from any duty and responsibility or be entitled to defend against any charge of violation by reason of the fact that the occupant is also responsible and in violation thereof.
(2) Occupants shall have such duties and responsibilities as are prescribed for them in this Article and shall not be relieved of any duty and responsibility or be entitled to defend against any charge of violation by reason of the fact that the owner or operator is also responsible and in violation thereof.
C. Compliance with Other Ordinances - Compliance with this article shall not constitute a defense against any violation of any other ordinance of the Borough of Englishtown applicable to any structure or premises, nor shall any one act of compliance constitute a defense against any subsequent or other violation of this article.
D. Compliance with the Uniform Construction Code - Any alterations to buildings, structures or appurtenances thereto, or changes of use therein, which may be caused directly or indirectly by the enforcement of this article, shall be done in accordance with all applicable sections of the New Jersey Uniform Construction Code.
E. Effect of Zoning Ordinance - Nothing contained in this article or any requirement of compliance herewith shall be deemed to alter, impair or affect the application of the Zoning Ordinance or zoning laws of the Borough of Englishtown.
F. Existing Remedies - Nothing in this article shall be deemed to abolish or impair existing remedies of the Borough of Englishtown or its officers or agencies relating to the removal or demolition of any buildings or structures which are deemed to be dangerous, unsafe and unsanitary.
§2.100.5 Regulations
A. Exterior to be kept free of all nuisances. The exterior of premises and structures shall be kept free of nuisances, unsanitary conditions and any other hazards to the health or safety of occupants, pedestrians and other persons utilizing the premises. Any nuisance, unsanitary condition or other hazard shall be promptly removed and abated by the owner and/or operator to keep the premises free of health hazards, including but not limited to the following:
(1) Refuse: broken glass, filth, garbage, trash, litter and debris, except as placed in an appropriate receptacle designed to safely retain the material prior to a regularly scheduled or expeditious collection.
(2) Hazardous natural growth in the vicinity of business: brush, weeds, ragweed, stumps, roots and obnoxious growth; dead and dying trees and limbs or other natural growth which, through rotting or deteriorating conditions or storm damage, constitute a hazard to persons in the vicinity. Trees shall be kept pruned and trimmed to prevent such conditions.
(3) Over hangings: loose and overhanging objects and accumulations of ice and snow above ground level, which constitute a danger of falling on persons in the vicinity of such conditions.
(4) Ground surface hazards or unsanitary conditions: holes, excavations, breaks, projections, obstructions or broken or missing pavement. All holes and excavations shall be filled and repaired, walks and steps repaired and other conditions removed where necessary to eliminate hazards or unsanitary conditions. It shall be the responsibility of owners and operators to take reasonable steps to discover and remove any such hazards or unsanitary conditions which may exist on their premises.
(5) Recurring accumulations of storm water: Adequate runoff drains shall be provided and maintained to eliminate any recurrent or excessive accumulation of storm water.
(6) Sources of infestation.
B. Signs. All signs, pavement markings and printed matter and pictures or illustrations contained thereon, permitted by reasons or other regulations or as a lawful nonconforming use, shall be maintained in good repair.
C. Landscaping. Lawns, hedges and bushes shall be kept trimmed and maintained from becoming overgrown.
D. Premises to be kept in good repair. The exterior of every structure or accessory structure, including fences and storefronts, shall be maintained in good repair. All structural surfaces shall be kept painted where necessary for preservation and appearance, free of excessive peeling paint and maintained free of safety hazards, such as broken windows, loose and falling shingles and crumbling and falling stone or brick, further subject to the following regulations:
(1) Unsafe exterior facilities: Exterior facilities include exterior porches, landings, balconies, stairs and fire escapes, all of which shall be kept structurally sound and in good repair and shall be provided with banisters or railings properly designed and maintained.
(2) Signs and billboards: All permanent signs and billboards exposed to public view, permitted by ordinance or other regulations or as a lawful nonconforming use, shall be maintained in good repair. Any sign or billboard which has weathered excessively or faded or the paint on which has excessively peeled or cracked shall, with its supporting members, be removed forthwith or put into a state of good repair. All non-operative or broken electrical signs shall be repaired or shall, with their supporting members, be removed forthwith.
(3) Windows exposed to public view: All windows exposed to public view shall be kept clean and free of marks, dirt and grime and shall be unbroken. Except when necessary in the course of changing displays, no storage of materials, stocks or inventory shall be permitted in window display areas ordinarily exposed to public view unless such areas are first screened from view by draperies, blinds or other means. All screening of interiors shall be maintained in a clean and attractive manner and in a good state of repair.
(4) Awnings or marquees: any awning or marquee and its accompanying structural members which extend over any street, sidewalk or other portion of the premises shall be so maintained as not to constitute a nuisance or safety hazard. In the event that any such awning or marquee is made of cloth, plastic or of similar materials, said materials, where exposed to public view, shall be maintained in good condition and shall not show evidence of excessive weathering, discoloration, ripping, tearing or other deterioration. Nothing herein shall be construed to authorize any encroachment of an awning, marquee or its accompanying structural members on streets, sidewalks or other parts of the public domain.
(5) Temporary scaffolding or equipment: No temporary painting scaffold or other temporary equipment used for construction, repair or maintenance shall be permitted to remain in place beyond a period necessary to reasonably complete the purpose for which such equipment was intended to be used.
(6) Storefronts: All storefronts shall be maintained in good repair and all surfaces thereof shall be kept painted when necessary for the purposes of preservation and appearance. In the event that repairs to a portion of a storefront are made, such repairs shall be performed with materials identical or compatible with the materials used in the area not undergoing repair, to the end that the appearance of the storefront shall be uniform and attractive.
(7) Unoccupied buildings: All unoccupied buildings shall be subject to the provisions hereof.
E. Removal of garbage and refuse. The owner, operator and occupant shall have the duty and responsibility of removing refuse and garbage as often as reasonably necessary to avoid safety hazards and noxious odors.
F. Maintenance of sidewalks. Every day that the premises is open for business, the occupant shall be responsible for removing litter from the sidewalk or other pedestrian areas, if any, in front of the occupant's commercial premises. The area shall be swept as often as necessary to maintain it free of litter, spillage and other debris.
G. Premises to be maintained in a clean and sanitary manner.
(1) All parts of the premises under the control of the occupant shall be kept in a clean and sanitary condition, and the occupant shall refrain from performing any acts which would render other parts of the premises unclean or unsanitary or which would obstruct the owner or operator from performing any required duty in this code for maintaining the premises in a clean and sanitary condition.
(2) Each operator shall be responsible for the elimination of infestation in and on the premises subject to his control.
(3) No person shall deposit any litter on the ground in any commercial or industrial premises.
H. Access and parking areas.
(1) The owner of any access ways and parking areas serving commercial and industrial premises shall be responsible for keeping the same free from congestion and open to emergency and service vehicles by:
(a) Keeping all access ways and parking areas free from snow and ice.
(b) Preventing the continuous or regular use of access ways or parking spaces for any vehicles which:
(i) Is in such a state of disassembly or disrepair so that it cannot be driven; or
(ii) Does not display current license plates and inspection sticker.
(iii) For the purposes of this subsection, "continuous" shall mean the presence on the same Tax Map lot for a period of 72 consecutive hours, and "regular" shall mean being observed at least twice within a twenty-day period on the same Tax Map lot when, on both occasions, such vehicle met either condition (i) or (ii) above.
(4) This subsection shall not apply with regard to a vehicle on the premises of a business enterprise operated in a lawful place and manner. However, vehicles shall be operative and in use.
(5) Parking lots or parking areas, including the entrances and exits thereto, shall be kept in a good state of repair. Signage as to ownership and use restrictions shall be maintained so as to assure visibility.
(6) Means of ingress and egress shall be clearly marked by signs.
(7) Parking spaces shall be clearly indicated by painted lines.
(8) Lanes for the movement of traffic in each direction shall be indicated by arrows indicating one-way traffic, which shall be painted in these lanes at both ends.
(9) A trash basket with at least a twenty-gallon capacity shall be provided for each 150 feet of store frontage in any shopping area. These baskets shall be placed in the walking or pedestrian area and shall be provided with covers and shall not be allowed to overflow. Placement of the baskets shall be subject to the sidewalk’s having adequate space to accommodate the baskets without impeding general access along the sidewalk.
(10) Fire zones and lanes shall be kept clear of all vehicular traffic and parking, as designated by the Borough of Englishtown Bureau of Fire Prevention.
§2.100.6 Inspections
A. All buildings and premises subject to this code are subject to inspection by the Borough of Englishtown’s Code Enforcement Officer, Monmouth County Health Inspector, Police Department or any other official charged with the duty of enforcing regulations governing any aspect or conduct of the activity on the premises. At the time of such inspection, all portions of the premises must be available and accessible for such inspection, and the owner, operator and occupant are required to provide the necessary arrangements to facilitate such inspection. Such inspection shall be made during regular business hours of the business occupying said premises unless there is reason to believe that a violation exists of a character which is an immediate threat to health or safety, requiring inspection and abatement without delay.
§2.100.7 Corrections of Violation; Abatement by Borough Officials
Where the violation or condition existing on the premises is of such a nature as to constitute an immediate threat to life and limb unless abated without delay, the Borough of Englishtown’s Code Enforcement Officer, Monmouth County Health Inspector or Police Department may order the owner, operator or occupant to correct the violation or condition within the period of time consistent with the hazard involved and with the measures necessary to remove the hazard, and, upon the failure of the operator, owner or occupant to correct said condition, Borough of Englishtown Police Department, Code Enforcement Officer or Monmouth County Health Inspector shall cause said condition to be immediately abated.
§2.100.8 Procedure upon Discovery of Violations
A. Except as otherwise provided hereof, where violations of this Article or the regulations hereunder are found to exist, a written notice from the Borough of Englishtown Code Enforcement Officer shall be served on the person or persons responsible for the correction thereof.
B. Notice shall be served personally or by certified mail, addressed to the last known address of the person to be served. In the case of an occupant, notice may be posted upon the main entrance door of the building, and, in the case of an owner, the last known address shall be the address of the owner as shown in the records of the office of the Tax Collector of the Borough of Englishtown.
C. The notice shall specify the violation or violations committed, what must be done to correct the same, a reasonable period of time, not to exceed 30 days, to abate the violation.
D. Within 10 days of the date of service of a notice, the notice shall constitute a final order unless any person affected by the notice requests a hearing thereon by serving a written request within the ten-day period, in person or by certified mail, on the Code Enforcement Officer. Such request for a hearing shall set forth briefly the reasons for which the request for a hearing is made and the factual matters contained in the notice of violation for which the hearing is requested. The Code Enforcement Officer, upon receipt of the request for hearing, shall, within 30 days there from and upon five days' notice to the parties so requesting, conduct a hearing.
E. At the hearing provided hereunder, the Code Enforcement Officer shall hear all parties, and his final determination shall be made within 10 days from the completion of the hearing. He shall then issue an order incorporating the determinations and directions contained in the notice, modifying said notice if he so deems necessary. The Code Enforcement Officer may extend the time for correction of the violations where he deems necessary.
F. In the event that the violation is not abated, removed, cured or otherwise fully remedied within the time period prescribed in the initial notice or extended time period as permitted by the Code Enforcement Officer, a summons shall then be issued against such person or persons charged with the violation.
G. Hearing officers shall be the Code Enforcement Officer, Zoning Officer and the Construction Code Official of the Borough of Englishtown. If any of those positions are vacant or occupied by the same individual, the hearing officers shall be those individuals currently serving as the foregoing officers and/or officials.
§2.100.9 Violations and Penalties
Any person who shall violate any of the provisions of this Article or any order promulgated hereunder shall, upon conviction, be punished by a fine not to exceed $500 or by imprisonment in the county jail for a period not to exceed 90 days, or by both such fine and imprisonment, and each violation of any of the provisions of this Article and each day that such violation shall continue shall be deemed to be a separate and distinct offense.
ARTICLE II
Residential Properties
§2.100.10 Statement of purpose
The purposes of this article are:
A. To provide for the public, health, safety and welfare.
B. To avoid, prevent and eliminate the maintenance and creation of hazards to the public health and safety.
C. To avoid, prevent and eliminate conditions which, if permitted to exist or continue, will depreciate or tend to depreciate the value of adjacent or surrounding properties.
D. To prevent the creation, continuation, extension or aggravation of blight.
E. To preserve property values in the Borough of Englishtown.
F. To prevent the physical deterioration or progressive downgrading of the quality of residential dwellings in the Borough of Englishtown.
G. To maintain the value and economic health of the residential properties and business that serves and helps to support the Borough of Englishtown and its citizens.
H. To prevent and eliminate physical conditions in or on property which constitute nuisances and are thereby potentially dangerous or hazardous to the life, health or safety of persons on or near the premises where such conditions exist.
I. To establish minimum standards governing the maintenance and condition of lands, buildings, structures and premises in the Borough of Englishtown.
J. To fix responsibilities and duties upon owners, lessees, operators and occupants of property.
K. To provide for administration and enforcement for these standards.
L. To fix penalties for the violation of this article.
§2.100.11 Definitions
For the specific purposes of this article, the following terms, whenever used herein or referred to in this article, shall have the respective meanings assigned to them hereunder unless a different meaning clearly appears from the context:
EXTERIOR OF PREMISES - Those portions of a building or structure which are exposed to public view or are visible from adjoining or adjacent lots, including all outside surfaces and appurtenances thereto and the open land space of any premises outside of any building or structure erected thereon.
NUISANCE
A. Any common law nuisance, or as provided by the laws of the State of New Jersey or ordinances of the Borough of Englishtown.
B. Any attractive nuisance which may prove detrimental to the health or safety of the public, whether in a building or on a lot. An attractive nuisance is a condition that might tend to attract minors, out of curiosity or otherwise, and pose an unreasonable risk of death or serious bodily injury to the minor. This includes, but is not limited to, the following: structurally unsound fences or structures, lumber, trash, fences or debris.
C. Physical conditions dangerous to human life or detrimental to the health of persons on or near the premises where conditions exist.
D. Unsanitary conditions or anything unreasonably offensive or dangerous to health or safety.
E. Whatever, by reason of its condition and location, is likely to render air, food and/or drink unwholesome or detrimental to the health of human beings, or creates an unreasonable nuisance through odor or noise so as to deprive adjacent owners of the quiet enjoyment of their property.
F. Fire hazards.
OCCUPANT - Any person residing, living or sleeping in or on the premises or having actual possession, use of occupancy of a dwelling premises or unit or operating a business therein, or any person or entity in possession of or using any premises or party thereof, whether or not the owner thereof and regardless of the duration of time of such possession, use or occupancy.
OPERATOR - Any person, persons or entity not the owner, who has charge, care or control of a dwelling or premises or a part thereof, with or without the knowledge, consent or authority of the owner.
OWNER - Any person, persons or entity who shall have legal or equitable title in any form whatsoever to any premises or part thereof, with or without accompanying actual possession thereof or who shall have charge, care or control of any lot, premises, building, structure or part thereof, as owner or agent of owner, or as a fiduciary, trustee, receiver, guardian, lessee or mortgagee in possession, regardless of how such possession was obtained. Any person, group of persons or entity who is a lessee, sub-lessee or assignee of a lease of any part or all of any building, structure or land shall be deemed to be a co-owner with the lessor for the purposes of this article and shall have responsibility over the portion of the premises so sublet, leased or assigned.
PREMISES - A lot, plot or parcel of land, right-of-way or multiples thereof, including the buildings or structures thereon.
REFUSE or RUBBISH - All discarded, useless, unusable, unused or worthless solid waste matter or materials, combustible or noncombustible, including but not limited to garbage; trash, ashes; paper, paper goods and products; wrappings; cans; bottles; containers; yard clippings; garden refuse; brush and containers of waste materials, chemicals or oil other than garbage containers used and intended to be picked up in the normal weekly scavenger collection service; debris; junk; glass; boxes; crockery; wood; mineral matter; plastic; rubber; leather; furniture; household goods; appliances; fixtures; bedding; scrap lumber; scrap metal; construction material; inoperable machinery or parts thereof; dead or rotting vegetation; excluding compost piles which are not otherwise prohibited in this article; abandoned, inoperative, unused or unusable automobiles and vehicles, or parts or components of automobiles, motor vehicles, motorcycles or vehicles of any kind, and solid commercial or industrial waste.
§2.100.12 Effect on Other Standards; Responsibilities of Owners and Occupants
A. Compliance with code.
(1) Every residential building, structure, lot and the premises or part of the premises on which it is situated in the Borough of Englishtown, previously or presently used or intended to be used for dwelling and uses accessory thereto, shall comply with the provisions of this Article whether or not any such building or structure shall have been constructed, altered or repaired before or after the enactment of this Article and irrespective of any permits or licenses which may have been issued for the use or occupancy of such building or for the installation or repair of equipment or facilities prior to the effective date of this Article. Vacant lots, lands and premises are also required to comply with the provisions of this article.
(2) This Article establishes minimum standards for the initial and continued occupancy and use of all residential premises, including those occupied and used before the adoption of this Code, and does not replace or modify standards otherwise established for the construction, repair, or alteration of the residential building or premises contained therein. Where there are existing codes or standards for the use of residential premises that are more stringent than the standards contained therein, those standards are not to be deemed reduced by this Article.
(3) Where the provisions of this Article impose a higher standard than is set forth in any other ordinances of the Borough or under the laws of the State of New Jersey, then the standards set forth herein shall prevail.
B. Responsibility of owners and occupants.
(1) Owners and operators shall have all the duties and responsibilities prescribed in this Article and no owner or operator shall be relieved from any duty and responsibility or be entitled to defend against any charge of violation by reason of the fact that the occupant is also responsible and in violation thereof.
(2) Occupants shall have such duties and responsibilities as are prescribed for them in this Article and shall not be relieved of any duty and responsibility or be entitled to defend against any charge of violation by reason of the fact that the owner or operator is also responsible and in violation thereof.
C. Compliance with Other Ordinances - Compliance with this article shall not constitute a defense against any violation of any other ordinance of the Borough of Englishtown applicable to any structure or premises, nor shall any one act of compliance constitute a defense against any subsequent or other violation of this article.
D. Compliance with the Uniform Construction Code - Any alterations to buildings, structures or appurtenances thereto, or changes of use therein, which may be caused directly or indirectly by the enforcement of this article, shall be done in accordance with all applicable sections of the New Jersey Uniform Construction Code.
E. Effect of Zoning Ordinance - Nothing contained in this article or any requirement of compliance herewith shall be deemed to alter, impair or affect the application of the Zoning Ordinance or zoning laws of the Borough of Englishtown.
F. Existing Remedies - Nothing in this article shall be deemed to abolish or impair existing remedies of the Borough of Englishtown or its officers or agencies relating to the removal or demolition of any buildings or structures which are deemed to be dangerous, unsafe and unsanitary.
G. Effect of Residential Property Maintenance Code - Nothing contained in this article or any requirement of compliance herewith shall be deemed to alter, impair or affect the application of Article I, Commercial and Industrial Properties, of this chapter.
§2.100.13 Duties of Owner, Operators and Occupants
In furtherance of the purposes of this article, it shall be the duty and responsibility of the owner, operator or occupant of premises to comply with any or all of the requirements and standards of this article, to keep the premises free of conditions which constitute violations hereof and to promptly remove, prevent or abate such conditions.
§2.100.14 Prohibited Matter, Materials and Conditions
A. The exterior of all premises shall be kept free of the following matter, materials and conditions:
(1) Refuse, as hereinabove defined.
(2) Rubbish, as hereinabove defined.
(3) Abandoned, uncovered or structurally unsound wells, shafts, towers, exterior cellar openings, basement hatchways, foundations or excavations.
(4) Abandoned, refrigerators, heaters, television sets and other similar major appliances.
(5) Structurally unsafe or unsound buildings, structures or fences or parts thereof.
(6) Rodent harborages and pest infestation: All structures and exterior property shall be kept free from rodent harborage and infestation. Where rodents are found, they shall be promptly exterminated by an approved processes which will not be injurious to human health. After extermination, proper precautions shall be taken to eliminate rodent harborage and prevent re-infestation.
(7) Animal excrement piles or manure piles within 100 feet of a property line.
(8) Buried refuse or rubbish.
(9) Stagnant surface or ground water accumulations which create or are likely to create mosquito or other insect breeding areas.
(10) Nuisances, as hereinabove defined.
(11) Vehicles or parts thereof, including boats and trailers, motorized or not, licensed or unlicensed, registered or unregistered, which vehicles or parts thereof are or have been junked, abandoned, dismantled or are in a state of visible disrepair for a period of more than two weeks. This subsection shall take effect only where the conditions described herein are visible from surrounding or adjoining properties.
(12) Dangerously loose and overhanging objects, including but not limited to dead trees or tree limbs, accumulations of ice or any object, natural or man-made, which could threaten the health and safety of persons if caused to fall, or other similar dangerously loose and overhanging objects which, by reason of their location above ground level, constitute an actual hazard to persons or vehicles in the vicinity thereof.
(13) Inadequate or unsafe foundations, wall, piers and columns and other similar structurally unsound, damaged or defective load-bearing components which are incapable of bearing imposed loads safely at all points.
(14) Structurally unsound, loose, dangerous, crumbling, missing, broken, rotten or unsafe exterior portions of buildings or structures, including but not limited to porches, landings, balconies, stairways, handrails, steps, walls, overhangs, roofs, fences, supporting members, timbers, abutments, fire escapes, signs or loose, crumbling or falling bricks, stones, mortar or plaster.
(15) Exterior surfaces or parts of buildings or structures containing sharp, rough or projecting surfaces or objects which might cause injury to persons coming in contact therewith.
(16) Broken glass or windows; rotten, missing or substantially destroyed window frames and sashes, door frames, exterior component parts of buildings or structures.
(17) Weeds, brush, stumps, roots which are obnoxious, noxious or detrimental to public health and safety; this includes but is not limited to poison ivy, poison oak, poison sumac and ragweed growth. This shall also include dead and dying trees and limbs or other natural growth, including compost heaps or piles which, by reason of rotting or deteriorating conditions, create obnoxious odors or blighting and unsightly factors for adjoining properties or the Borough of Englishtown. Under no circumstances are compost heaps or piles permitted in front or side yards. The provision of this subsection shall not apply to farmland, pastureland, grazing land, natural or un-landscaped areas and undeveloped tracts.
B. Garbage or trash dumpsters shall not be maintained in front yards unless permitted by site plan approval from the Borough of Englishtown’s Unified Planning and Zoning Board or Borough approval for temporary construction or renovation purposes. They may be brought to the front yard if needed for collection during a period beginning on the night prior to collection and returned to the back yard within 24 hours of collection.
C. In residential zone districts and upon all properties used for residential purposes in whole or in part, parking spaces shall be on paved or gravel driveways constructed and installed and located pursuant to the provisions of the Zoning Ordinance and other applicable codes, rules and regulations of the Borough of Englishtown. Parking of motor vehicles on front lawns, yards or landscaped front yards is prohibited except for the purpose of temporary emergency or necessity not to exceed a period of 24 hours.
D. The exterior of all premises, the exterior of structures and condition of accessory structures, including fences and walls of any type, shall be kept structurally sound, in good repair and free from defect and shall be maintained so that the appearance of the premises and structures shall not constitute a blighting factor for adjoining properties or the Borough of Englishtown, such as but as but not limited to structural collapse, excessive peeling paint, graffiti, rotting, mold or decay.
E. Properties with landscaping, lawns, hedges and bushes shall be kept from becoming overgrown and unsightly where exposed to public view and from becoming a blighting factor for adjoining properties of the Borough of Englishtown. No lawn or grass shall be permitted to grow up in excess of ten (10”) inches.
F. General maintenance. The exterior of every structure or accessory structure, including signs and fences, shall be maintained in good repair. The same shall be maintained free of broken glass, loose shingles, crumbling stone or brick, excessive peeling paint or other conditions reflective of deterioration or inadequate maintenance, to the end that the property itself may be preserved, safety and fire hazards eliminated and adjoining properties and the Borough of Englishtown be protected from blighting influences.
G. Premise identification. Dwellings shall have six (6”) address numbers placed in a position to be plainly legible and visible from the street or road fronting the property.
H. Protective treatment. All exterior surfaces, including but not limited to, doors and windows frames, cornices, porches, trim, balconies, decks shall be maintained in good condition. Exterior wood surfaces, other than decay- resistant woods, shall be protected from the elements and decay by painting or other protective covering or treatment.
I. Temporary scaffolding or equipment: No temporary painting scaffold or other temporary equipment used for construction, repair or maintenance shall be permitted to remain in place beyond a period necessary to reasonably complete the purpose for which such equipment was intended to be used.
§2.100.15 Abatement by Borough: Expense
Where abatement of any nuisance, as defined herein, correction of a defect in the premises or work necessary to place the premises in a proper condition so as to conform to ordinances of the Borough of Englishtown or applicable laws of the State of New Jersey requires expending Township monies, the Borough, Borough Engineer, Construction Official or Monmouth County Health Inspector or other duly appointed enforcement officer shall present a report of work proposed to be done to accomplish the foregoing to the Borough’s Certified Finance Officer with an estimate of the cost, along with a summary of the proceedings undertaken by the enforcement officer to secure compliance, including notices served upon the occupants, owners, operators or their agents, as the case may be. The Borough of Englishtown’s Council may thereupon, by resolution, authorize the abatement of the nuisance, correction of the defect or work necessary to place the premises in proper condition and in compliance with this Code. The Borough shall thereafter proceed to have the work performed in accordance with the resolution at the Borough’s expense, not to exceed the amount specified in the resolution, and shall, upon completion thereof, submit a report of the monies expended and costs to the Borough of Englishtown’s Council. After review of the report, the Borough Council may approve the expenses and costs, whereupon the same shall become a lien against the premises, collectible as provided by law. A copy of the resolution approving the expenses and costs shall be certified by the Borough Clerk and filed with the Tax Collector of the Borough, who shall be responsible for the collection, and a copy of the report and resolution shall be sent by certified mail, return receipt requested, to the owner of the affected premises.
§2.100.16 Enforcement Officer
The duty of administering and enforcing the provisions of this article is conferred upon the Code Enforcement Officer, Housing Official, Monmouth County Health Inspector, Borough Police, and any other duly appointed representatives.
§2.100.17 Inspections
All buildings and premises subject to this article are subject to inspection by the enforcing officer of the Borough. Such inspections may not take place except with probable cause. Probable cause shall be as defined by statutory and case law regarding governmental searches of property. Probable cause shall not be required for inspections by means of viewing from a point on adjoining or public property. At the time of inspections, parts of the premises must be available and accessible for inspections, and the owner, operator and occupant are required to provide the necessary arrangements to facilitate such inspections.
§2.100.18 Procedure upon Discovery of Violations
A. Except as otherwise provided hereof, where violations of this Article or the regulations hereunder are found to exist, a written notice from the Borough of Englishtown Code Enforcement Officer shall be served on the person or persons responsible for the correction thereof.
B. Notice shall be served personally or by certified mail, addressed to the last known address of the person to be served. In the case of an occupant, notice may be posted upon the main entrance door of the building, and, in the case of an owner, the last known address shall be the address of the owner as shown in the records of the office of the Tax Collector of the Borough of Englishtown.
C. The notice shall specify the violation or violations committed, what must be done to correct the same, a reasonable period of time, not to exceed 30 days, to abate the violation.
D. Within 10 days of the date of service of a notice, the notice shall constitute a final order unless any person affected by the notice requests a hearing thereon by serving a written request within the ten-day period, in person or by certified mail, on the Code Enforcement Officer. Such request for a hearing shall set forth briefly the reasons for which the request for a hearing is made and the factual matters contained in the notice of violation for which the hearing is requested. The Code Enforcement Officer, upon receipt of the request for hearing, shall, within 30 days there from and upon five days' notice to the parties so requesting, conduct a hearing.
E. At the hearing provided hereunder, the Code Enforcement Officer shall hear all parties, and his final determination shall be made within 10 days from the completion of the hearing. He shall then issue an order incorporating the determinations and directions contained in the notice, modifying said notice if he so deems necessary. The Code Enforcement Officer may extend the time for correction of the violations where he deems necessary.
F. In the event that the violation is not abated, removed, cured or otherwise fully remedied within the time period prescribed in the initial notice or extended time period as permitted by the Code Enforcement Officer, a summons shall then be issued against such person or persons charged with the violation.
G. Hearing officers shall be the Code Enforcement Officer, Zoning Officer and the Construction Code Official of the Borough of Englishtown. If any of those positions are vacant or occupied by the same individual, the hearing officers shall be those individuals currently serving as the foregoing officers and/or officials. In the event of a conflict of interest with respect to any of those individuals, the hearing officers shall be those individuals serving as the foregoing officers and/or officials without a conflict of interest.
§2.100.19 Violations and Penalties
Any person or entity who shall violate any of the provisions of this Article or any order promulgated hereunder shall, after a summons issued under the terms hereof, upon conviction, be punished by a fine not to exceed $500.00 or by imprisonment in the county jail not to exceed 90 days, or by both such fine and imprisonment. Each violation of any of the provisions of this article each day that each such violation shall continue shall be deemed to be a separate and distinct offense.
II. BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED THAT:
A. All ordinances or parts of ordinances inconsistent herewith are hereby repealed to the extent of the inconsistency.
B. If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase or portion of this Ordinance is for any reason held to be invalid or unconstitutional by a court of competent jurisdiction, such portion shall be deemed a separate, distinct and independent provision, and such holding shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions hereof.
C. This Ordinance shall take effect upon passage and publication in accordance with
applicable law.
Public Hearing
Mayor Reynolds opened the floor to the public for questions or comments on the above titled ordinance.
There being no questions or comments, a motion to close the public hearing was
offered by C/Soden and seconded by C/Robilotti. Passed unanimously.
A motion to adopt Ordinance No.2006-25, above titled, was offered by C/Carr and
Seconded by C/Robilotti. Passed on the following roll call:
Offered by: C/Carr
Seconded by: C/Robilotti
Roll Call: Ayes: C/Rucker, C/Simon, C/Carr, C/Robilotti, C/Cooke
Nays: C/Soden
Abstain: None
Absent: None
New Business
BOROUGH OF ENGLISHTOWN First Reading and Introduction
ORDINANCE NO. 2006-26
AN ORDINANCE OF THE BOROUGH OF ENGLISHTOWN AMENDING CHAPTER 2.126, ENTITLED “WATER”
WHEREAS, the governing body also determines that certain corrections are needed in the language of the Code with respect to general billings for water service:
WHEREAS, the governing body of the Borough of Englishtown determines that there exists a need to an unnecessary bureaucratic transfer of funds from one public entity to another with respect to fire hydrant usage with no impact on the taxpayers except the cost of bookkeeping:
Now therefore be it ordained by the Borough Council of the Borough of Englishtown that Chapter 2.126, entitled “Water” of the Code of the Borough of Englishtown is hereby amended as follows:
§2.126.11E. entitled “Billings” is amended so that subsection (1) is to read:
(1) Billings for water service or water used will be rendered quarterly on or before the 15th day of the month following the quarter for which the charges are made and shall be due and payable on the date of rendition thereof. Such quarterly billings will be on or before the 15th of January, April, July and October.
§2.126.13 entitled “Use in fire protection” of the Code of the Borough of Englishtown is hereby amended by deleting §2.126.13.B.(4) which had required the Englishtown Fire District No. 1 to pay to the Water Department the sum of fifty dollars a year for the rental of each hydrant located within the Borough.
BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED THAT:
A. All ordinances or parts of ordinances inconsistent herewith are hereby repealed to the extent of the inconsistency.
B. If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase or portion of this Ordinance is for any reason held to be invalid or unconstitutional by a court of competent jurisdiction, such portion shall be deemed a separate, distinct and independent provision, and such holding shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions hereof.
C. This Ordinance shall take effect upon passage and publication in accordance with applicable law.
Resolution No. 2006-196
Authorizing Borough Employees to Carry Over
Remaining Vacation Time To The Year 2007
Whereas, several Borough employees have not used all of their allowed vacation time; and
Whereas, it is difficult to use said time by the end of the year; and
Whereas, the department heads state that the remaining vacation time is as follows:
Laurie Finger 6 Vacation Days Remaining
Richard Guffanti 6 Vacation Days Remaining
Robert Ebbe 3 Vacation Days Remaining
Wayne Krawiek 4 Vacation Days Remaining
Patricia Wojnas 5 Vacation Days Remaining
Diane Koellner 4 Vacation Days Remaining
Celia Hecht 9 Vacation Days Remaining
Janice Garcia 1 Vacation Days Remaining
Peter Gorbatuk 1 Vacation Day Remaining
Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Englishtown, County of Monmouth, State of New Jersey that the above personnel will be allowed to carry their remaining vacation time over to the year 2007 provided this time is used by June 30, 2007.
Be It Further Resolved a certified true copy of this Resolution be forwarded to Laurie Finger, Richard Guffanti, Robert Ebbe, Wayne Krawiek, Patricia Wojnas, Diane Koellner, Celia Hecht, Janice Garcia, Peter Gorbatuk and the Borough Auditor.
Offered By: C/Robilotti
Seconded By: C/Simon
C/Soden
Nays: None
Abstain: None
Absent: None
Whereas, the Borough of Englishtown Council requires that purchases and services over $800.00 or more be pre-approved by the Governing Body except in the case of imminent emergency situation; and
Whereas, the following itemized request(s) were submitted to the Chief Financial Officer by the respective Committee Chairperson(s) for Council approval; and
Whereas, the Chief Financial Officer certifies that appropriate funds are available for the following:
Holiday Hayride – 2 Horse & Carriages - $1300.00
Purchased From:
A & T Stables
46 Bennett Mills Road
Jackson, N.J. 08527
Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Englishtown, County of Monmouth, State of New Jersey that the above request(s) is approved for the purchase or order.
Seconded By: C/Simon
Roll Call: Ayes: C/Soden, C/Rucker, C/Simon, C/Carr, C/Robilotti, C/Cooke
Nays: None
Abstain: None
Absent: None
Whereas, the Borough of Englishtown Council requires that purchases and services over $800.00 or more be pre-approved by the Governing Body except in the case of imminent emergency situation; and
Whereas, the following itemized request(s) were submitted to the Chief Financial Officer by the respective Committee Chairperson(s) for Council approval; and
Whereas, the Chief Financial Officer certifies that appropriate funds are available for the following:
Shared Dispatch Services (4 Operators)/
E911 Shared Service Fee - $32,900.90
Purchased From:
Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office
P.O. Box 5007
Freehold, N.J. 07728
Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Englishtown, County of Monmouth, State of New Jersey that the above request(s) is approved for the purchase or order.
Seconded By: C/Carr
Roll Call: Ayes: C/Soden, C/Rucker, C/Simon, C/Carr, C/Robilotti, C/Cooke
Nays: None
Abstain: None
Absent: None
Whereas, the Borough of Englishtown Council requires that purchases and services over $800.00 or more be pre-approved by the Governing Body except in the case of imminent emergency situation; and
Whereas, the following itemized request(s) were submitted to the Chief Financial Officer by the respective Committee Chairperson(s) for Council approval; and
Whereas, the Chief Financial Officer certifies that appropriate funds are available for the following:
Public Works Uniforms - $1,200.00
Purchased From:
Johns Inc.
720 Hamilton Street
Somerset, N.J. 08873
Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Englishtown, County of Monmouth, State of New Jersey that the above request(s) is approved for the purchase or order.
Seconded By: C/Robilotti
Roll Call: Ayes: C/Soden, C/Rucker, C/Simon, C/Carr, C/Robilotti, C/Cooke
Nays: None
Abstain: None
Absent: None
Whereas, the Borough of Englishtown Council requires that purchases and services over $800.00 or more be pre-approved by the Governing Bod