January 23, 2007
A Workshop
Meeting was held by the Township Council of the Township of Roxbury on January
23, 2007 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, 2007; notice was posted
on the bulletin board in the main hallway of the Municipal Building on January
5, 2007.
ROLL
CALL: Councilwoman Kathy
DeFillippo, Councilmen Fred Hall, Jim Rilee, Tim Smith, Martin Schmidt and Mayor John Ciaramella
ALSO
PRESENT: Christopher Raths, Township Manager,
Anthony Bucco, Township Attorney, and Janet Rieth, Deputy Township Clerk
Councilman
Zoschak was on vacation.
REPORTS OF
COUNCIL LIAISON REPRESENTATIVES, COUNCIL COMMITTEES AND NEW BUSINESS/OLD
BUSINESS
Presentaion: Mark Noll, Chief of Police – Will be
conducted later in the meeting
Mayor Ciaramella amended the Agenda for
the presentation by the Main Street Committee
Presentation: Main Street Committee
Tria Larmond,
Richard Cramond, Sue Anderson and Jean Hall of the Main Street Streetscaping
Committee and Christopher Raths, Township Manager gave Council an update on the
plans for the Main Street Streetscape. The sidewalk chosen for this streetscape
design, on the north side of Main Street, from Hillside Avenue toward Kenvil
Avenue, is a poured, French Grey, concrete sidewalk bordered by bricks on
either side. Anyone interested will be able to purchase bricks in memory or in
honor of individuals. The Committee has
chosen street lights which are 16 feet in height and will be placed every 60
feet. The existing lights will stay, as
the new lights are for pedestrian traffic only. The Committee is also looking
at benches and trash receptacles to be placed along the road at a later date.
The estimated cost for this Project is $100,452.00 and they are making
application to the County for a Community Development Block Grant in the amount
of $80,000, which is the maximum allowed. Street trees are proposed and
Township tree fund money will be used.
Along with selling bricks, the Committee will also be looking at other
means to raise funds.
Mayor Ciaramella amended the Agenda to adopt Resolution 07-48
07-48 A
resolution authorizing the submission of an application for the 2007 Morris
County
Department of Community Development Program
Mayor Ciaramella amended the
Agenda for a presentation by Chief Noll
Presentation: Mark Noll, Chief of Police
Chief
Noll advised that Mr. Raths directed him to conduct a workload analysis and
manpower study as a result of a request by the Police Department to hire two
replacement personnel. Chief Noll gave Council an overview of the staffing of the Police Department and
explained their areas of responsibility. Chief Noll feels that the workload
analysis performed supports the number of personnel currently employed by the
Police Department. He stated that he is
not requesting additional personnel, just replacement of employees lost due to
retirement.
Chief Noll
noted the additional activities that certain personnel have in addition to
their core functions. When a traffic
officer is assigned to assist Planning, Engineering and the State DOT projects,
the Department is now logging that time to determine how much time the Officer
is spending on different projects. Mr.
Rilee stated that in the Planning Department, escrow is supposed to be billed
for that time. Mr. Raths will check
with Planning to make sure this is being done.
Chief Noll stated that in addition to investigative assignments, the
Detective Division also investigates applicants for firearms licenses, liquor
licenses and other Township licensing. Currently there
is one Detective working with Rob Kuncken for IT operations. This may be given to a civilian in the
future, as well as Evidence and Property personnel.
Chief
Noll advised that the School Resource Officers were originally funded through
grant money. We are currently paying
for these officers and have approached the Board of Education to aid in
financing these positions. Mr. Hall
will be attending the shared services meeting tomorrow with the Board of
Education and he will bring this item
up for discussion.
Mayor
Ciaramella asked Chief Noll if the Department’s list of businesses could be
provided to Mr. Raths for use by the Economic Development Committee. Chief Noll stated the list is being updated
and will be made available to anyone who needs it.
Mr.
Hall asked what the Police Department is doing regarding the recent fatal
accidents involving teenagers. Chief
Noll advised that driver education is involved in this discussion. Safety surveys are also conducted, both at
the beginning and the end of the day. The Traffic Officers do spot checks to
determine if the teenagers are following the guidelines of the graduated
drivers license.
The Emergency
Services Unit is currently staffed full time by a Paramedic and, as needed, by
other EMT’s from other areas of the Department. The vehicle for this Unit was due to be
replaced last year, but was put off to this year. Chief Noll stated that this is the third busiest unit in the
Township. Mr. Rilee asked if a Suburban
would work in place of the box style truck.
Chief Noll stated that it would not because of the amount of equipment
it carries.
Chief
Noll advised that the Tactical Team, Water/Ice Rescue/Dive Team could be
regionalized if there was cooperation from other municipalities. However, he has tried and has not been
successful. Mr. Smith stated that the
Mt. Olive Chief is retiring and he would like either Chief Noll or Mr. Raths to
check into the possibility of sharing services of positions that may come open.
Chief Noll advised Council that by the
end of 2010, 21 of 48 Officers are eligible for retirement and he feels that
this needs to be addressed at this time, in order to have a smooth
transition. At this time the Township
requires a four-year college degree for new officers. Chief Noll has received inquiries from people who will soon be
coming out of the military and he feels that the Township should look at the
possibility of changing the requirements to allow military personnel, who have
been discharged, to be considered for employment. Chief Noll also stated that the Township cannot wait until an
Officer retires to replace them as it takes up to a year for a candidate to go
through the Police Academy and be able to perform their duties. Mr. Rilee stated that the Police Department
should be kept at the current staffing level.
He further stated that the Township should sit down and discuss the
potential retirements and have a plan; however, he feels that the Department
can go short handed for a short period of time.
REPORTS OF
COUNCIL LIAISON REPRESENTATIVES, COUNCIL COMMITTEES
Mr.
Rilee discussed the letter, which was received from Pinnacle, highlighting
the problems with the current radio system. Some issues have been corrected and
there have been some improvements; however, Mr. Rilee stated that this has been
ongoing for over a year. Mr. Rilee
further stated that the Administration is to blame for much of the problem and
he puts the responsibility on Mr. Raths to get answers. There is a lack of information coming to the
Fire Department and Mr. Rilee, which he feels shows a lack of respect and a
lack of follow up. Mr. Raths suggested that Mr. Rilee meet with the Fire Chiefs
and the Chief of Police to go over what the problems are and why it took so
long to respond. Mr. Rilee stated that
he will sit with the Fire Chiefs to get their opinion of what has transpired.
Mr. Hall stated that he concurs with Mr. Rilee and that a project plan is
needed by the next meeting.
Mr. Raths
stated that the Council may want to bring in an outside firm to do a complete
analysis of the system. Mr. Smith
stated that, in his opinion, Pinnacle should not be involved with trying to
help the Township. Mr. Schmidt stated that he agrees with what has been said
and, in his opinion, Pinnacle should not be our vendor. Mrs. DeFillippo stated that she also agrees
with what has been said and that questions were not answered in this letter.
Chief Noll
stated that he agrees that the letter is terrible and it is not what he has
been requesting since November. He advised that Pinnacle took over Warner
Communications within the last six weeks and the person who generated the letter is brand new. Chief Noll feels that we have come a long
way in identifying some of the problems and also in correcting some of the
problems. Chief Noll also stated that
he feels a lot of the problems are due
to the bad telephone lines we are using.
Chief Noll
stated that Warner Communications has been extremely responsible with all the
problems in the past. There were items
brought to Council’s attention during the fire on Hillside Avenue in November.
Chief Noll made a copy of the radio tape for this particular situation. The
Fire Department stated at the time that they could not communicate with the
Police Department because the radios did not work. In listening to the tape,
Chief Noll stated that the communications did go back and forth. As a result of the complaint, Warner
Communications came out the following day and found some things that were not
working properly. These issues were addressed
that day. There has been an issue with
the pagers since the beginning because they were to be phased in over a period
of time, due to cost and the Township is working on both low band and UHF. Mr. Rilee stated that the Council was not
told there would be a problem by doing this.
Chief Noll stated that we are still using dual dispatch and he does not
feel that there has been a problem recently. Chief Noll further stated that he
does not feel it is a good idea to change vendors at this point. Mr. Smith asked if Chief Noll feels there is
someone at Pinnacle who can answer the Township’s questions. Chief Noll stated that he feels there is.
Mr. Rilee stated that Pinnacle needs to be responsive to the Township. Mrs. DeFillippo stated that Council needs to
submit a list of questions to Pinnacle and get the answers. Mr. Raths asked if the repairs have been
identified. Chief Noll stated that he
feels that all the problems that have been identified have been repaired. He does not feel there have been any major
problems recently. The phone line
problem, which has been identified as an ongoing problem, will continue. Mr. Hall suggested that there should be a
meeting with the vendor, Chief Noll, the Fire Chiefs, Chris Raths and Jim Rilee
to obtain answers. Mr. Rilee would then
report back to Council.
Mayor Ciaramella amended the
Agenda to the Public Portion
Robert Kluska,
Emmans Road, stated that Resolution 07-59, authorizing the payment of bills,
includes approximately $34,000 for uniform allowance. He feels that this money
is a bonus to some Township employees and not a uniform allowance, as he has
not seen anyone in a uniform. Mr. Rilee stated that he disagrees with Mr.
Kluska. Mr. Raths stated that all DPW
personnel are mandated by their contract to show up in a clean uniform. Mayor
Ciaramella stated that Mr. Raths advised him that if a Township employee is not
in uniform they are sent home without pay. Mr. Raths advised that employees
have to keep receipts or they have to claim the money as income.
Mr. Wine, 4
Holly Drive, stated that he supports the Main Street streetscaping. Regarding the issues with the Police and
Fire radios, Mr. Wine stated that, when the contract was signed, everyone was
convinced that this was the way to go; however, the changes that have taken
place in the last six years are tremendous. Mr. Rilee stated that the problems
are not totally technological.
Mayor Ciaramella
closed the Public Portion.
At 9:30 PM
Council took a short break.
At 9:35 PM
Council returned to the Workshop meeting
Mayor Ciaramella
continued the Report of Council Liaison Representatives, Council Committees
Mr.
Schmidt requested an update on the transfer of Jake King Lane. Mr. Blood advised that a letter needs to be
sent to the Attorney for his review and resolution to vacate will be needed.
Mr.
Schmidt advised that the next Neighbors Helping Neighbors dinner will be held
on February 17, 2007.
Mrs.
DeFillippo advised that she has received complaints regarding people not
picking up after their dogs at Horseshoe Lake.
She requested that an item be put
in the next issue of the Roxbury Image to remind residents.
Mrs.
DeFillippo asked if Mr. Raths had been able to get in touch with the Mt. Olive
Administrator regarding the recent accidents on Route 206. Mr. Raths will follow up.
Mrs.
DeFillippo stated that the Economic Development Committee invited property
owners on Route 46, east of the Ledgewood Circle to Mine Hill, to a forum, which was held last Thursday evening.
The turn out was very good and a lot of information was gathered. Mr. Smith stated that the attendees were
very appreciative that the Committee took the time to meet with them. He felt that the feed back as to ideas will
be very helpful. Another forum will
be held on February 20th at 8:00 AM.
Mrs. DeFillippo
stated that the Emergency Access gate at Circle Drive is still open. Mr. Raths stated that the pole to latch the
two gates is gone. Chief Noll has
contacted the State regarding this. Mr.
Raths will follow up.
Mrs. DeFillippo
advised that the Water/Sewer Committee did not meet last week. They will meet
next month.
Mr. Hall stated
that, in the future, he would like to see the meetings go paperless. Council could use either their own laptops
or recycled Police laptops and the
Agenda could be emailed.
Mr. Hall
advised that the IT Committee met last
week. The Committee discussed the
possibility of online recreation registration, which would not cost the
taxpayers any money. There would just be an additional fee for using a credit
card online. Mrs. DeFillippo stated
that taxes can be paid online in many municipalities. Mr. Raths stated that a debit card system must be used fur this. Another item discussed at the meeting was
the replacement for the voice systems.
He will report to Council when he has more information.
Mr. Hall stated
that he and Mayor Ciaramella will be attending a shared services meeting with
the Board of Education tomorrow.
The Nutrition Center was
discussed at the last meeting and was very well received.
Mr. Hall stated
that he is moving forward on document management. Mr. Schmidt, Mr. Hall and Mrs. DeCroce will meet to put together
a final presentation to show the benefits and what the next steps will be.
Mr.
Smith advised the public that the Township has made a formal offer to purchase
land at the Swim and Sport Club, with the Open Space Committee. We are waiting for a response from
them.
Mr.
Rilee advised that he is scheduling a meeting with the Fire Chiefs to discuss
the radio situation.
Mr.
Rilee requested an update on the Highlands review. Mr. Raths advised that Mr. Stern will come before Council on
February 20th to discuss this issue.
Mr.
Rilee requested an update on the build
out analysis. Mr. Raths stated that he
has not heard from Mena Schultz. Mr.
Rilee explained that the Township received a grant and a public hearing was
held at the Planning Board. He is
questioning if a second public hearing
is needed. Mr. Schmidt stated that he
will check with Mena tomorrow.
Mr. Rilee
stated that he does not feel that the shared services meetings with the Board
of Education is the proper venue to
talk about them taking over payments for the Resource Officer at the
schools.
Mayor
Ciaramella reminded everyone of the Ward 4 Neighborhood Meeting to be held on
January 31st.
Mayor
Ciaramella asked when the DPW Committee will be meeting. Mr. Raths stated that he will reschedule.
Mr. Raths stated
that he met with Randolph regarding sharing a sweeper. The Township also offered street cleaning
services to Mt. Arlington and Mine Hill and they have both been receptive.
Mr. Raths stated
that he and Chief Noll will be meeting
with the County to discuss Countywide dispatch.
New Business
Old Business
Procurement
Policy
PUBLIC PORTION
MATTERS
REQUESTED/REFERRED BY COUNCIL MEMBERS, MANAGER, ATTORNEY OR CLERK
None
APPROVAL OF
MINUTES
November 28,
2006 Workshop
Mr. Rilee made a
motion to approve the above Minutes.
Mr. Schmidt seconded the motion.
Roll Call:
Mr. Rilee – yes Mr. Schmidt – yes
Mrs. DeFillippo
– yes Mr. Hall – yes
Mr. Smith – yes Mayor Ciaramella – yes
Motion carried 6
- 0
DRAFT ORDINANCES FOR DISCUSSION
None
INTRODUCTION OF PROPOSED
ORDINANCES
None
HEARING AND
ADOPTION OF ORDINANCES ON SECOND READING
None
DRAFT RESOLUTION FOR DISCUSSION
None
INTRODUCTION AND ADOPTION OF
RESOLUTIONS
07-38 A resolution incorporating by reference
herein and approving the following numbered
resolutions
listed on the workshop council meeting agenda for this date: 07-39, 07-40,
07-41,
07-42, 07-43, 07-44, 07-45, 07-46, 07-47, 07-49, 07-50, 07-51, 07-52, 07-53,
07-54,
07-55, 07-56, 07-57, 07-58, 07-59, 07-61
Mr. Rilee made a
motion to adopt Resolution 07-38, excluding check no. 42607. Mr. Schmidt seconded the motion.
Roll Call:
Mr. Rilee – yes Mr. Schmidt – yes
Mrs. DeFillippo
– yes Mr. Hall - yes
Mr. Smith – yes
(recuse on check nos. 42612 and 42653)
Mayor Ciaramella
– yes (abstain on 07-58 and recuse on any checks pertaining to the MCMUA)
Motion carried 6
– 0 with one abstention on 07-58, and recusal on check nos. 42612, 42653 and
any checks pertaining to the MCMUA
07-39 A resolution authorizing refund of zoning
permit fee monies previously deposited with
the
Township of Roxbury for development matters pursuant to Chapter XIII (land use)
of the revised general ordinances of the Township of Roxbury.
07-40 A resolution authorizing the transfer of
funds
07-41 A resolution authorizing the acceptance of a
Conservation Easement from Glenn Bott
over
a portion of Lot 31, Block 10501, more commonly known as 204 Center Street
07-42 resolution authorizing requesting a six
(6) month extension for the Award of a contract
for
the Eyland Avenue Phase V Project pursuant to the NJDOT agreement for State Aid
to Municipalities fiscal year 2006
07-43 A resolution
authorizing refund of unused escrow monies previously deposited with the
Township of
Roxbury for development matters pursuant to Chapter XIII (land use) of the
revised general ordinances of the Township of Roxbury
07-44 A resolution authorizing the reduction
of the Performance Guarantee of D.P. Roxbury
LLC
for a Tree Bond for the Preliminary subdivision of the development known as
Fairways Edge at Roxbury location on Reger Road, Block 101, Lot 3
07-45 A resolution
authorizing refund of application fee for Major Soil relocation permit
previously deposited wit the Township of
Roxbury for development matter pursuant to Chapter XIII (land use of the
revised general ordinances of the Township of Roxbury.
07-46 A resolution authorizing the refund of
engineering inspection escrow and application fee
to
Donnelly Construction for Minor Soil moving permit regarding Kenvil Medical,
Block 2403, Lots 2 & 3.
07-47 A resolution authorizing the acceptance
of the Maintenance Guarantee and approving the
release
of the performance guarantee posted by Rogers Lane partnership for the site
improvements related to the Rogers Valley Subdivision, Block 1, Lot 58.
07-48 A resolution authorizing the submission
of an application for the 2007 Morris County
Department of Community Development Program –
previously adopted
07-49 A resolution
authorizing the release of a performance guarantee posted for Right-of-Way
excavation permit No. Oct2606 27 Ford Road, Landing Block 11105,
Lot 30.
07-50A resolution
authorizing the Award of a contract for new fencing at Horseshoe Lake Park,
Succasunna, NJ.
07-51 A resolution
authorizing the refund of unused engineering inspecting fees to Stacey
Contracting Inc. for inspection work
performed regarding the Morris County Municipal.
07-52 A resolution
authorizing the award of a contract to Emil DiPalma, Inc. for the demolition
and disposal of Farm Buildings
Mr.
Raths will notify residents at the time of demolition.
07-53 A resolution
authorizing the release of a performance guarantee posted for Right-of-Way
excavation permit no. Nov2006 29 Honeyman
Drive, Succasunna Block 3005, Lot 13
07-54 A resolution supporting renewal of the
Garden State Preservation Trust
07-55 A resolution approving change order No. 4
(final) to the Professional Engineering
Services Contract with Suburban
Consulting Engineers, Inc. for the Skyview Wastewater Treatment Plant
Decommissioning Project
Mr.
Raths advised that Suburban’s request was significantly higher and Melanie met
with representatives of Suburban to come up with a change order for charges for
which the Township is legitimately responsible. Mr. Rilee stated that he
would like to see this documented and put in a file and would not like the
Township to mail them requests for proposals in the future. Mayor Ciaramella agreed with Mr. Rilee.
07-56 A resolution authorizing the refund of taxes
07-57 A resolution authorizing a refund of
application fee
07-58 A resolution of the Township of Roxbury,
County of Morris, State of New Jersey,
authorizing
the award of a contract for professional services for the Township Labor
Attorney
07-59 A resolution authorizing payment of bills
07-61
A Resolution Authorizing the Acceptance of a Corrective Deed from Felix
Costa and
Charles
Scott Lyon for Lot 24.02 in Block 12501 in the Township of Roxbury (Detention
Basin Lot)
COMMUNICATIONS
January 12, 2007
January 19, 2007
Mr. Smith made a
motion to file the Communications of January 12, 2007 and January 19,
2007. Mr. Schmidt seconded the motion.
All In Favor - yes
EXECUTIVE SESSION
07-62A 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
Mr. Smith made a
motion to adopt Resolution 07-61 for Executive Session. Mr. Schmidt seconded the motion.
Roll Call:
Mr. Smith – yes Mr. Schmidt – yes
Mrs. DeFillippo
– yes Mr. Hall – yes
Mr. Rilee – yes Mayor Ciaramella – yes
Motion carried 6
– 0
ADJOURNMENT
At 10:40 PM Mr.
Smith made a motion to adjourn the Workshop Meeting. Mr. Schmidt seconded the motion.
All In Favor –
yes
Submitted By:
BettyLou DeCroce
Township Clerk
MINUTES APPROVED BY COUNCIL:
DATE: March 13, 2007
ROLL CALL: Mr. Rilee – yes Mr.
Schmidt – yes
Mr. Hall – yes Mr. Smith – yes
Mr. Zoschak – abstain Mayor
Ciaramella - yes