February 14, 2006
A
Regular Meeting of the Township Council of the Township of Roxbury was held on
February 14, 2006 at 1715 Route 46, Ledgewood, New Jersey at 7:30 p.m.
OPEN
PUBLIC MEETING STATEMENT
Adequate
notice of this meeting of the Township Council of the Township of Roxbury was
given as required by the Open Public Meetings act as follows: Notice was faxed
to the Daily Record, the Newark Star Ledger and the Roxbury Register on January
5, 2006; notice was posted on the bulletin board in the main hallway of the
Municipal Building on January 5, 2006.
ROLL
CALL: (Present) Councilwoman
Kathy DeFillippo, Councilmen Fred Hall, Jim Rilee, Tim Smith and Deputy Mayor
John Ciaramella
ALSO
PRESENT: Christopher
Raths, Township Manager; Anthony Bucco, Township Attorney and
BettyLou DeCroce, Township Clerk
ABSENT: Mayor Martin Schmidt – due to illness
Councilman
Richard Zoschak – due to vacation
PRESENTATIONS
Proclamation:
Read Across America
Deputy
Mayor Ciaramella read the Read Across America proclamation. Read Across America
is being held on March 2,
2006 and celebrates the 102nd
Birthday of Dr. Seuss. Mary Romance, Library Director, invited everyone to
attend their celebration.
Presentation: Roxbury High
School Girls Cross-Country
Team
Deputy
Mayor Ciaramella presented Coach Terry Sikora and the Roxbury High School Girls
Cross Country team with a plaque and congratulated them for being rated 9th
in the Nation. Mr. Hall also congratulated the girls and stated that they are
the best Cross Country Team in the history of New Jersey.
There will be a new sign on Bryant drive listing the team’s accomplishments.
The following are the members of the Roxbury High School Girls Cross Country
Team: Kathleen Alexander, Katy Argueta-Romero, Ashley Cromartie, Jenn Ennis,
Lauren Penney, Kristen Stevens and Sarah Tencza.H
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
December 6, 2005 Budget/Workshop
January 3, 2006 Reorganization
January 17, 2006 Budget/Workshop
January 24, 2006 Workshop
January 24, 2006 Executive Session
PUBLIC PORTION
Robert Kluska,
274 Emmans Road, questioned if the Township has the
proper ordinance in place for the Council members to be able to receive health
benefits. Mrs. DeCroce stated that the Township ordinance is appropriately
approved and runs with the personnel manual, which was last updated in 2004.
REPORTS OF
COUNCIL LIAISON REPRESENTATIVES, COUNCIL COMMITTEES AND NEW BUSINESS/OLD
BUSINESS
Mr. Smith gave
Council an overview of the “Senior LifeSavers” program. This program provides a
discounted rental of a small transmitting pendant and a receiver base connected
to your telephone. In the event of an emergency in your house, you would press
a button on the pendant and a signal would be transmitted via telephone to a
central call processing area of a service provider called LifeFone. They will
then contact Roxbury’s emergency services, your doctor and a family member or
friend that you designate. You must be within range of the receiver base in
your home for the system to work. There will be two different rates available
for utilizing these services, the “discounted” rate and the “low-income” rate.
The discounted rate is $264 per year ($22 per month), payable annually in
advance. The low-income rate is $60 per year ($5 per month), payable annually
in advance. This compares very favorably to ordinary rental rates in the
market of between $348 and $720 per year for similar services. This program is
a joint effort of Roxbury Township, the Roxbury Rotary Club, local Roxbury
businesses, and LifeFone, an emergency contact service provider. Roxbury Township is helping administer the program and
qualifying residents for the program’s low-income component. Local businesses
have contributed funds to supplement the difference between the discounted
monthly rate available to all Roxbury residents and the low-income rate.
Roxbury Rotary has accepted these local business donations and will facilitate
the low-income component. LifeFone is a White
Plains, NY
company which provides emergency pendant equipment, monitors incoming emergency
communications and then contacts local emergency services, a doctor and a
designated friend or family member to provide a swift response. All Roxbury
residents qualify for the discounted rate. However, to qualify for the
low-income rate, residents must apply to the Township’s Social Services
director for approval. This will be provided on a first-come, first-served
basis. If the program has more funds available for low-income pendants than
there are applicants, then the Social Services director may allot the
low-income rate based upon any applications received that do not qualify as “low
income”, but which applicants are among the lowest income of those applicants
not otherwise qualifying. Such applicants will be considered annually, and may
not receive the low-income rate in future years. Mr. Smith further advised
that there will be no cost to the Township
Mr. Rilee made a
motion to approve the “Senior LifeSavers” Program. Mrs. DeFillippo seconded the
motion.
Mr. Smith
advised that he took a walk on Veterans’ Park and Mooney Mountain to get an idea of the trails plan.
Mr.
Rilee advised that the Master Plan Committee is moving forward with the trails
master plan and will be going before the Planning Board for adoption of the
Master Plan.
Mr.
Rilee stated that the Fire Chiefs still need to discuss the possibility of the
Township holding a 12th Night celebration. Mr. Rilee stated that
any planning should be held off until the Chiefs have a chance to discuss this
matter.
Mrs.
DeFillippo stated that a neighborhood meeting will be held next Wednesday, February 22, 2006, 7:00
PM, at the Senior Center. This is being held for residents to
meet with Council members in an informal setting to ask questions and discuss
issues.
Mrs.
DeFillippo stated that there is a stack of timbers by the railroad tracks on Carey Road. She is concerned that children could
get hurt if they climb on it. Mr. Raths will follow up.
Mrs.
DeFillippo mentioned that Roxbury Township’s website is much better than many other
towns.
Mr. Hall
stated that the response to the dog park has been favorable and information
will be put in the Council’s package this week.
Mr. Hall
stated that this is the last meeting to put together information for the FCC
pertaining to Verizon. The information will go out by the end of the week.
Mr. Hall and Mr. Raths will work on a letter.
Mr. Hall
attended the Board of Education meeting. Roxbury High
School has the most
students per class than any other municipality in Morris County. Mr. Hall also advised Council that at
this time the Board of Education is not ready to decide on any specific shared
services. Mr. Hall stated that discussions will continue.
Mr. Hall
stated that the Cable Committee is working on the franchise agreement and it
will be completed prior to December
31, 2006.
Mr. Hall
stated that he has received many phone calls from residents questioning why the
Council is discontinuing senior bus service. He would like everyone to know that
we are not canceling senior busing.
Mrs. DeFillippo
advised that the Economic Development Committee will be holding a seminar on Thursday, April 20, 2006.
Mrs. DeFillippo
advised that she will be chairing a walk for Multiple Sclerosis on Sunday, April 23, 2006. She will provide more information at a
future meeting.
Mr.
Raths stated that he and Mr. Kobylarz met with representatives of the DOT
regarding a number of projects in the Township. The Township must file a
notice of condition with the DOT for the left turn lane improvements at the
Route 10/Hillside Avenue intersection. Striping of the third lanes at the jug
handles by the Roxbury Car Wash will be done by Memorial Day, as well as the
advanced flashing signal on the westbound lane of Route 46.
Mr.
Raths spoke about a recent letter to the editor in the Newspaper regarding the
Dial-A-Ride program and stated that we do not turn away requests for
assistance. The Township always meets the needs of the senior citizens.
Responding
to a question from Council at the last budget meeting, Mr. Raths advised that
the Maintenance Agreement for Edmunds is for one basic service.
Mr.
Raths advised Council that he will be out of the office on Thursday and Friday,
February 16th and 17th.
Mr.
Ciaramella questioned when the next DPW facility meeting will be held. Mr.
Raths will check on this and advise.
Mr. Bucco
advised that, as of this date, there has not been an appeal filed pertaining to
the Orben Drive condemnation matter.
OLD BUSINESS
Procurement Policy – Will be discussed at a future meeting.
Appointments
Rockaway River
Watershed Cabinet—2 Members, 1-year term.
Economic
Development Committee—1 Member, 3-year term.
Raritan
Highlands Compact—2 Members
These
appointments will be discussed at a future meeting.
MATTERS
REQUESTED/REFERRED BY COUNCIL MEMBERS, MANAGER, ATTORNEY OR CLERK
A.
Application for Raffles License No. RA: 1272 by St. Therese Rosary Alter
Society
B.
Application for Raffles License No. RA: 1273 by St. Therese Rosary Alter
Society
C.
Application for Raffles License No. RA: 1274 by St. Therese Rosary Alter
Society
D.
Application for Raffles License No. RA: 1275 by Roxbury Rotary Club District
7470
E.
Letter from Runners Race Service requesting permission to hold road race on June 5, 2006
Mr. Rilee made a
motion to approve Items A through E. Mr. Smith seconded the motion.
Roll Call:
Mr. Rilee – yes Mr.
Smith – yes
Mrs. DeFillippo
– yes Mr. Hall – yes (abstain on Items A, B & C)
Deputy Mayor
Ciaramella – yes (abstain on Items A, B, C & D)
Motion
carried 5 – 0 with two abstentions on Items A, B & C and one abstention on
Item D
F.
Memo from Fred Hall requesting continuance of the Trails Committee
Mr.
Smith made a motion for additional names to be added and for the committee to
work with the Open Space Committee and the Recreation Advisory Committee. Mr.
Rilee seconded the motion.
Roll
Call:
Mr.
Smith – yes Mr. Rilee – yes
Mrs.
DeFillippo – yes Mr. Hall – yes
Deputy
Mayor Ciaramella – yes
Motion
carried 5 – 0
G.
Letter from Renaissance Village requesting street names
Mr.
Rilee made a motion to approve Pondside
Drive and Brook Drive as the street names in Renaissance Village. Mr. Smith seconded the motion.
Roll
Call:
Mr.
Rilee – yes Mr. Smith – yes
Mrs.
DeFillippo – yes Mr. Hall – yes
Deputy
Mayor Ciaramella – yes
Motion
carried 5 - 0
INTRODUCTION OF PROPOSED
ORDINANCES
5-06 An ordinance to amend Chapter
XIII, Land Development Ordinance, Article IV, Improvements and Guarantees,
Section 13-4.2, Performance Guarantee, Subsection 13-4.206 Release of
Performance Guarantees, of the Revised General Ordinances of the Township of
Roxbury, County of Morris, State of New Jersey
Mr. Rilee made a
motion to introduce Ordinance 5-06. Mr. Smith seconded the motion.
Roll Call:
Mr. Rilee – yes Mr.
Smith – yes
Mrs. DeFillippo
– yes Mr. Hall – yes
Deputy Mayor
Ciaramella – yes
Motion carried 5
– 0
6-06 An ordinance amending the
Revised General Ordinances of the Township of Roxbury
to amend Chapter XXIV entitled “Fees”
Mr.
Smith made a motion to introduce Ordinance 6-06. Mr. Hall seconded the motion.
Roll Call:
Mr. Smith – yes Mr.
Hall – yes
Mrs. DeFillippo
– yes Mr. Rilee – stepped down as a result of the liquor license fees in the
ordinance and the potential impact they may have on his employer
Deputy Mayor
Ciaramella – yes
7-06 Calendar Year 2006—an ordinance
to exceed the municipal budget appropriation limits and to establish a cap bank
Mr. Rilee made a
motion to introduce Ordinance 7-06. Mr. Smith seconded the motion.
Roll Call:
Mr. Rilee – yes Mr.
Smith –yes
Mrs. DeFillippo
– yes Mr. Hall – yes
Deputy Mayor
Ciaramella – yes
Motion carried 5
– 0
8-06 An ordinance of the Township of Roxbury providing for the appropriation of funds
for various building improvements and equipment and appropriating $136,900.00
from General Capital Improvement Fund
Mr. Rilee made a
motion to introduce Ordinance 8-06. Mr. Smith seconded the motion.
Roll Call:
Mr. Rilee – yes Mr.
Smith – yes
Mrs. DeFillippo
– yes Mr. Hall – yes
Deputy Mayor
Ciaramella – yes
Motion carried 5
– 0
9-06 An ordinance of the Township of
Roxbury providing for the appropriation of funds for various sewer utility
improvements and appropriating $88,000.00, from Sewer Capital Improvement Fund
Mr. Hall made a
motion to introduce Ordinance 9-06. Mr. Smith seconded the motion.
Roll Call:
Mr. Hall – yes Mr.
Smith – yes
Mrs. DeFillippo
– yes Mr. Rilee – yes
Deputy Mayor
Ciaramella – yes
Motion carried 5
– 0
HEARING AND ADOPTION OF
ORDINANCES ON SECOND READING
1-06 An ordinance amending Chapter
IV, General Licensing, of the Revised General Ordinances of the Township of
Roxbury, pertaining to Used Motor Vehicle and Junk Dealers
Mr.
Rilee made a motion to open Ordinance 1-06 to the public. Mr. Smith seconded
the motion.
Roll Call:
Mr. Rilee – yes Mr.
Smith -yes
Mrs. DeFillippo
– yes Mr. Hall – yes
Deputy Mayor
Ciaramella – yes
Motion carried 5
– 0
There was no
public comment.
Mr. Hall made a
motion to close Ordinance 1-06 to the public. Mr. Smith seconded the motion.
Roll Call:
Mr. Hall – yes Mr.
Smith – yes
Mrs. DeFillippo
– yes Mr. Rilee – yes
Deputy Mayor
Ciaramella – yes
Motion carried 5
– 0
Mr. Hall made a
motion to adopt Ordinance 1-06. Mr. Smith seconded the motion.
Roll Call:
Mr. Hall – yes Mr.
Smith – yes
Mrs. DeFillippo
– yes Mr. Rilee – yes
Deputy Mayor
Ciaramella – yes
Motion carried 5
- 0
2-06 An ordinance amending Chapter
II, Administrative Code, of the Revised General Ordinances of the Township of
Roxbury, County of Morris, New Jersey, pertaining to Length of Service Award
Program
Mr. Hall made
a motion to open Ordinance 2-06 to the public. Mr. Smith seconded the motion.
Roll Call:
Mr. Hall – yes Mr.
Smith – yes
Mrs. DeFillippo
– yes Mr. Rilee – yes
Deputy Mayor
Ciaramella – yes
Motion carried 5
- 0
There was no
public comment.
Mr. Rilee made a
motion to close Ordinance 2-06 to the public. Mr. Smith seconded the motion.
Roll Call:
Mr. Rilee – yes Mr.
Smith – yes
Mrs. DeFillippo
– yes Mr. Hall – yes
Deputy Mayor
Ciaramella – yes
Motion carried 5
– 0
Mr. Rilee made a
motion to adopt Ordinance 2-06. Mr. Hall seconded the motion.
Roll Call:
Mr. Rilee - yes Mr.
Hall – yes
Mrs. DeFillippo
– yes Mr. Smith – yes
Deputy Mayor
Ciaramella – yes
Motion carried 5
– 0
3-06 An ordinance amending Chapter
II, Administrative Code, of the Revised General Ordinances of the Township of
Roxbury pertaining to the authority of the Manager to appoint Officers and
employees
Mr.
Smith made a motion to open Ordinance 3-06 to the public. Mr. Rilee seconded
the motion.
Roll
Call:
Mr.
Smith – yes Mr. Rilee – yes
Mrs.
DeFillippo – yes Mr. Hall – yes
Deputy
Mayor Ciaramella – yes
Motion carried 5
– 0
There was no
public comment.
Mr. Rilee made a
motion to close Ordinance 3-06 to the public. Mr. Smith seconded the motion.
Roll Call:
Mr. Rilee - yes Mr.
Smith – yes
Mrs. DeFillippo
– yes Mr. Hall - yes
Deputy Mayor
Ciaramella – yes
Motion carried 5
– 0
Mr. Rilee made a
motion to adopt Ordinance 3-06. Mr. Smith seconded the motion.
Roll Call:
Mr. Rilee – yes Mr.
Smith – yes
Mrs. DeFillippo
– yes Mr. Hall –yes
Deputy Mayor
Ciaramella – yes
Motion carried 5
- 0
4-06 An ordinance amending Chapter
XIII, Land Development Ordinance, of the Revised General Ordinances of the
Township of Roxbury, pertaining to illegal signs and penalties for the
violation of this chapter
Mr.
Rilee made a motion to open Ordinance 4-06 to the public. Mr. Smith seconded
the motion.
Roll Call:
Mr. Rilee – yes Mr.
Smith –yes
Mrs. DeFillippo
– yes Mr. Hall – yes
Deputy Mayor
Ciaramella – yes
Motion carried 5
– 0
There was no
public comment.
Mr. Rilee made a
motion to close Ordinance 4-06 to the public. Mr. Smith seconded the motion.
Roll Call:
Mr. Rilee - yes Mr.
Smith –yes
Mrs. DeFillippo
– yes Mr. Hall – yes
Deputy Mayor
Ciaramella – yes
Motion carried 5
– 0
Mr.
Rilee made a motion to adopt Ordinance 4-06. Mr. Smith seconded the motion.
Roll
Call:
Mr.
Rilee - yes Mr. Smith – yes
Mrs.
DeFillippo – yes Mr. Hall – yes
Deputy
Mayor Ciaramella – yes
Motion
carried 5 – 0
INTRODUCTION
AND ADOPTION OF RESOLUTIONS
06-51 A resolution incorporating by
reference herein and approving the following numbered resolutions listed on the
regular council meeting agenda for this date: 06-52, 06-53, 06-54, 05-55, 06-56,
06-58, 05-59, 06-60, 06-61, 06-62, 06-63, 06-64, 06-65
Mr.
Smith made a motion to adopt Resolution 06-51. Mr. Rilee seconded the motion.
Roll
Call:
Mr.
Smith – yes (recuse on check no. 38927)
Mr.
Rilee - yes Mrs. DeFillippo – yes
Mr.
Hall – yes Deputy Mayor Ciaramella – yes (recuse on check no.
38872)
Motion
carried 5 – 0 with one recusal on check 38927 and one recusal on check 38872
06-52 A resolution amending Resolution
No. 06-17 that authorized the endorsement of a treatment works approval permit
application for Villages at Roxbury for the property located on Shippenport
road, landing, Block 11201 Lots 1, 2 and 3
06-53 A resolution of the Township
Council of the Township of Roxbury Opposing S-457, amending the Time of Decision Rule
06-54
A resolution amending the membership of the Township Fire Department
06-55 A resolution authorizing the
acceptance of various deeds, release of part of mortgaged property and
subordinations of mortgage for the Kenbar Property, Block 8602, Lots 2, 3, 4,
5, 14 and 15 in the Township of Roxbury
06-56 A resolution authorizing the
acceptance of a Conservation Easement and Subordination Agreement from Roxbury
2002 LLC, regarding Block 9501, Lot 9 in the Township of Roxbury (Gemini
Property)
06-57 A resolution requesting
permission for the dedication by rider for recreation purposes – Hold –
Council would like more information.
06-58 A resolution authorizing the
acceptance of various easements and a subordination of mortgage for Renaissance Plaza in the Township
of Roxbury
06-59 A resolution of the Township of
Roxbury, County of Morris, State of New Jersey, authorizing the execution of an
agreement accepting the defense offered by Selective Insurance Company of
America in the matter “New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Agency
and Administrator, New Jersey Spill Compensation Fund vs. Almo Anti-Pollution
Services Corporation, et al and Atlantic Metal Corporation, et al vs. 20th
Century Refuse Removal Company, et al
06-60 A resolution authorizing the
refund of a tree bond and acceptance of a maintenance bond in connection with
the approval of a preliminary site plan for Kiddie Academy, Block 9201, Lot 3 located on Route 206
06-61 A resolution authorizing a
sanitary sewer allocation to Mark Tucci for the property Block 2611, Lot
12.02 located on South
Second Street, Kenvil
06-62 A resolution authorizing the
release of a performance guarantee posted for right-of-way Excavation Permit
No. OCT2302, Block 701, Lot 57, William LaRusso, 15 Constitution Avenue, Succasunna
06-63 A resolution authorizing the
refund of taxes
06-64
A resolution
authorizing the award of a Professional Engineering Consulting Services
Contract to Thomas Grau, P.E., of Hatch
Mott MacDonald to perform a hydraulic model of the Township water system in
accordance with the Water Master Plan Phase I Improvements
Mr.
Bucco will prepare a contract.
06-65
A resolution authorizing payment of bills
PERSONNEL
CHANGES
No Discussion
COMMUNICATIONS
February 10,
2006
#5 – Correspondence
from Richard M. Fischer, Personalized Insurance Planning, re: Group Benefits –
Mrs. DeCroce will set up an appointment.
#10 – Correspondence
from Barbara Heskins Davis, Morris Land Conservancy, re: Request to renew
contract for another year – Mr. Raths will contact Morris Land Conservancy to
attempt to keep the contract at $10,000.00. Council would like a press release
to go out regarding the 310 acres that the Township has preserved.
#12 – Correspondence
from the Lake Hopatcong Commission, re: Targeted Watershed Grant Status – Mr.
Smith congratulated the Commission.
Mr. Hall
stated that he spoke with the Board of Education and they have no interest in
sharing equipment with the Township.
Mr.
Bucco discussed Senate Bill S557 regarding recycling tax and stated it will
have a significant impact on the Township. He strongly suggests that the
Township prepare a resolution opposing S557. Mrs. DeCroce advised that we are
working on it.
PUBLIC PORTION
Kay Doolie, 4 Willow Walk Drive, Ledgewood, stated that she will advise
seniors that busing will not be discontinued.
Mr.
Rilee made a motion that the Township keep the Dial-A-Ride service. Mr. Smith
seconded the motion.
Mr. Smith
stated that no one ever supported getting rid of the Dial-A-Ride and that
Council was looking to determine if there was a better way to transport our
seniors and at the same time be able to save some money.
Roll Call:
Mr. Rilee – yes Mr.
Smith – yes
Mrs. DeFillippo
– yes Mr. Hall – yes
Deputy Mayor
Ciaramella – yes
Motion carried 5
- 0
Robert Kluska, 274 Emmans Road, stated that he attempted to make
seniors aware that the Dial-A-Ride bus would not be discontinued.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
06-66 Resolution of the Township
Council of the Township of Roxbury,
in the County of Morris,
New Jersey, authorizing conference of the Township
Council with the public excluded
There was no
Executive Session.
ADJOURNMENT
At 9:10 PM
Mr. Smith made a motion to adjourn the Regular Meeting. Mr. Rilee seconded the
motion.
All In Favor –
yes
Submitted By:
_________________________
BettyLou DeCroce
Township Clerk
MINUTES
APPROVED BY COUNCIL
DATE: February 14, 2006
ROLL
CALL: Mr.
Rilee – yes Mr. Hall – yes
Mr.
Ciaramella – yes Mr. Smith – yes
` Mr.
Zoschak – recuse Mayor Schmidt - recuse