March 13, 2007
A Regular Meeting was held by the Township Council of the Township of Roxbury
on March 13, 2007 at 1715 Route 46, Ledgewood, New Jersey at 7:30 PM.
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 (Present): Councilmen Fred Hall, Jim Rilee, Martin Schmidt, Tim Smith,
Richard Zoschak and Mayor John Ciaramella
Also
Present: Christopher Raths, Township Manager;
Anthony Bucco, Township Attorney and Janet Rieth, Deputy Township Clerk
Absent: Councilwoman
Kathy DeFillippo was attending the Community Development Block Grant Committee
meeting as a representative of the Township
PRESENTATIONS
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
October 24,
2006, Executive Session
December 12,
2006, Regular Meeting
January 23,
2007, Workshop Meeting
February 6,
2007, Executive Session
February 20,
2007, Executive Session
Mr.
Rilee made a motion to approve the Minutes of October 24, 2006, Executive
Session; December 12, 2006, Regular Meeting; January 23, 2007, Workshop Meeting
and February 6, 2007, Executive Session.
Mr. Schmidt seconded the motion.
Roll
Call:
Mr.
Rilee – yes Mr. Schmidt – yes
Mr.
Hall – yes Mr. Smith – yes
Mr.
Zoschak – yes (abstain on January 23rd and February 6th)
Mayor
Ciaramella – yes
Motion
carried 6 – 0 with one abstention on January 23rd and February 6th
Mr.
Schmidt made a motion to approve the Minutes of February 20, 2007, Executive
Session. Mr. Zoschak seconded the
motion.
Roll
Call:
Mr.
Schmidt – yes Mr. Zoschak – yes
Mr.
Hall – yes Mr. Rilee – abstain
Mr.
Smith – abstain Mayor Ciaramella – yes
Motion
carried 4 – 0 with two abstentions
PUBLIC
PORTION
Will
be discussed later in the meeting.
Mayor
Ciaramella amended the Agenda to discuss Reports of Council Liaison
Representatives
REPORTS OF
COUNCIL LIAISON REPRESENTATIVES, COUNCIL COMMITTEES AND NEW BUSINESS/OLD
BUSINESS
Mr.
Hall discussed the Recreational Master Plan and the efforts to install new
fields. The Township met with the Board
of Education and discussed the possibility of sharing services and installing a
turf field. At the Board of Education
meeting last night they agreed that this would be a good thing to move forward
and they offered $20,000 per year towards the turf field. This would not cover what is needed to
install the field and the Recreation Advisory Committee will continue to move
forward with fund raising.
At
this time, Mayor Ciaramella opened the meeting to the public.
Mr.
Cliff Reed, Dell Avenue, Kenvil, stated that taxes are going up and he does not
feel $800,000 should be spent on a turf field.
Mayor Ciaramella stated it is planned for the field to be financed
through fund raising and that it will not raise taxes.
Robert
Bells, 7 Memory Lane, Denville, dropped off an information packet opposing the
Lackawanna Cut-off. Mr. Bells stated
that the Morristown/Erie Railroad recently bought the Staten Island/Rahway
Valley Railroad. The Lackawanna cut off line would run from Staten Island to
Pennsylvania and would cost $551 million to build. Morristown/Erie petitioned and received authorization to haul
containerized trash, which would run through New Jersey. Mr. Bells would like Council to review the
information and pass a resolution opposing the cut off.
Robert
Kluska, Emmans Road, stated that he agrees with Mr. Reed regarding the turf
field and feels that the Township has enough fields. Mr. Hall stated that this
is not something that has occurred over a short period of time, but rather a
problem that the Council has been addressing for a long period of time. When it was brought to the Township’s
attention that the Board of Education also has field problems, it was decided
to evaluate a possible shared service.
Mr. Hall feels that this can be brought to a manageable level that would
have little impact on the taxpayers and solve a long standing issue that has
been addressed in the Recreation Master Plan.
Jim
Gordon, 2 Reger Road, Chairman of Recreation Advisory Committee, thanked
Council for being visionaries on recreation.
He understands the concern of residents regarding the tax rate and he
feels that we have to look at alternative fundings. Mr. Gordon discussed various ways of soliciting money to help
fund the project and asked if the Council would look into the possibility of
the 2% open space fund being used to take care of fields. Mr. Rilee stated that one issue he has is
that it looks like Mr. Gordon is trying to “fast track” to get it done this year and not wait until next
year. Mr. Rilee further stated that he
does not want to bond $800,000 this year until everything is worked out.
Linda
Alomay, 529 Dinah Road, Landing, spoke regarding trash and litter on her
neighbor’s yard. Mr. Raths will send
the Code Enforcement Officer out to the site.
REPORTS
OF COUNCIL LIAISON REPRESENTATIVES, COUNCIL COMMITTEES
Mr.
Zoschak requested an update on the new Senior Bus. Mr. Raths advised that it will be picked up within the next 2
weeks.
Mr.
Zoschak questioned if the Shore Hills Park sign is in for repairs. Mr. Raths advised that it is and he will
check on the status.
Mr.
Zoschak requested an update on the sign at the entrance to Horseshoe Lake. Mr. Hall stated that it has taken longer
than expected and it will be on the
next meeting agenda.
Mr.
Zoschak stated that the Lake Hopatcong Commission will be meeting on Monday
night. The Commission may be shutting
down if they do not receive funding from the State.
Mr.
Smith thanked everyone who attended the Salazar family fundraiser last
Saturday. Over $6,000 was raised.
Regarding
open space, Mr. Smith advised that the Township is waiting for closing on the
Villages property. Mr. Bucco stated that he received the final version of the
contract today.
Mr.
Schmidt stated that the Environmental Commission will be presenting a plan to
Council for a possible community garden at the Lines Farm.
Mr.
Schmidt stated that Fuddruckers held their Grand Opening yesterday and they are
donating 50 cents on each order to Fire Company No. 1.
Mr.
Rilee stated that he, Mr. Raths, the Fire Chiefs and Chief Noll met with
Pinnacle regarding the faulty radio system. The biggest problem is the high/low
band difficulties with the
dispatchers. Mr. Rilee stated
that the meeting was very productive and he gives Pinnacle a lot of credit for
what has been accomplished. If any
Council members hear of problems they are to let Mr. Rilee know.
Mayor
Ciaramella advised that Mrs. DeFillippo is absent because she is attending the
second evening of Community Development Block Grant meetings on behalf of the
township
Mayor
Ciaramella requested that the Clerk’s office prepare a certificate of
recognition for Alyssa Weickert who arranged the fund raiser for the Salazar
family.
Mrs.
Rieth stated that Mrs. DeFillippo would like to attend Congressmen
Frelinghuysen’s Girl Scout event at Jockey Hollow and questioned if any other
Council members would be attending.
Mayor Ciaramella stated that he would also attend.
Mr.
Raths advised that the Main Street Streetscaping Committee presented their Community
Development Block Grant application last night for the project on Main Street,
Succasunna.
Mr.
Raths advised that the Cable Committee meeting was scheduled for last week;
however, the representative from Verizon did not show. They will meet again in two weeks.
Mr.
Raths advised that Rod Schmidt, the new Construction Official, will be starting
April 2.
Mr.
Raths advised that there will be three grant presentations at the next meeting.
New Business
Mr. Raths would like anyone who has any questions or concerns on
the budget to email them to him. The tentative date for introduction of the
budget is March 27th.
Discussion ensued on the $10,000 for the Route 46 Corridor
study. Mr. Raths stated that he feels
it is a very important project and it is needed to plan for elements that will
be coming along the corridor. Mr. Rilee stated that he will speak with the
Master Plan Committee regarding this at their next meeting.
Old
Business
Procurement
Policy
Mr. Bucco is
working on this item.
MATTERS
REQUESTED/REFERRED BY COUNCIL MEMBERS, MANAGER, ATTORNEY OR CLERK
A. Letter requesting the closure of Morgan
Drive, Ann Street, and Judy Road for block party on June 16 from 3pm until
8:30pm.
Mr. Rilee made a
motion to approve Item A. Mr. Zoschak
seconded the motion.
Roll Call:
Mr. Rilee – yes Mr. Zoschak – yes
Mr. Hall – yes Mr.
Schmidt – yes
Mr. Smith – yes Mayor Ciaramella – yes
Motion carried 6
– 0
DRAFT ORDINANCES FOR DISCUSSION
None
INTRODUCTION OF PROPOSED
ORDINANCES
unimproved
right-of-way of Second Street in the Township of Roxbury,
County
of Morris and State of New Jersey
Mr. Rilee made a
motion to introduce Ordinance 03-07.
Mr. Schmidt seconded the motion.
Roll Call:
Mr. Rilee – yes Mr. Schmidt – yes
Mr. Hall – yes Mr.
Smith – yes
Mr. Zoschak –
yes Mayor Ciaramella – yes
Motion carried 6
– 0
HEARING AND ADOPTION OF
ORDINANCES ON SECOND READING
02-07 An
Ordinance repealing Subsection 2-11.4, Condemnation Board, of Section 2-11,
Department of Planning, Development and Inspections, in Chapter II,
Administrative Code of the Revised General Ordinances of Roxbury
Mr. Rilee made a
motion to open Ordinance 02-07 to the public.
Mr. Schmidt seconded the motion.
Roll Call:
Mr. Rilee – yes Mr. Schmidt – yes
Mr. Hall – yes Mr.
Smith –yes
Mr. Zoschak –
yes Mayor Ciaramella – yes
Motion carried 6
– 0
There was no
public comment.
Mr. Rilee made a
motion to close Ordinance 02-07 to the public.
Mr. Zoschak seconded the motion.
Roll Call:
Mr. Rilee – yes Mr. Zoschak – yes
Mr. Hall – yes Mr.
Schmidt – yes
Mr. Smith – yes Mayor Ciaramella – yes
Motion carried 6
– 0
Mr. Rilee made a
motion to adopt Ordinance 02-07. Mr.
Schmidt seconded the motion.
Roll Call:
Mr. Rilee – yes Mr. Schmidt – yes
Mr. Hall – yes Mr.
Smith – yes
Mr. Zoschak –
yes Mayor Ciaramella – yes
Motion carried 6
– 0
01-07 An
Ordinance to Amend Chapter XIII, Land Development Ordinance, Article I, General
Provisions, Section 13-1.2, definitions of the revised General Ordinances of
the Township of Roxbury, County of Morris, State of New Jersey
Mr. Zoschak made
a motion to open Ordinance 01-07 to the public. Mr. Smith seconded the motion.
Roll Call:
Mr. Zoschak –
yes Mr. Smith – yes
Mr. Hall – yes Mr.
Rilee – yes
Mr. Schmidt –
yes Mayor Ciaramella – yes
Motion carried 6
– 0
There was no
public comment.
Mr. Zoschak made
a motion to close Ordinance 01-07 to the public. Mr. Smith seconded the motion.
Roll Call:
Mr. Zoschak –
yes Mr. Smith – yes
Mr. Hall – yes Mr.
Rilee – yes
Mr. Schmidt –
yes Mayor Ciaramella – yes
Motion carried 6
– 0
Mr. Zoschak made
a motion to adopt Ordinance 01-07. Mr.
Smith seconded the motion.
Roll Call:
Mr. Zoschak –
yes Mr. Smith – yes
Mr. Hall – yes Mr.
Rilee – yes
Mr. Schmidt –
yes Mayor Ciaramella – yes
Motion carried 6
- 0
INTRODUCTION AND ADOPTION OF
RESOLUTIONS
07-87 A
Resolution Incorporating by Reference Herein and approving the following
numbered Resolutions listed in the Regular Council Meeting Agenda for this
date: 07-88, 07-89, 07-90, 07-91, 07-92, 07-93, 07-94, 07-96, 07-97, 07-98,
07-99, 07-100
Mr. Rilee made a
motion to adopt Resolution 07-87. Mr.
Schmidt seconded the motion.
Roll Call:
Mr. Rilee – yes Mr. Schmidt – yes
Mr. Hall – yes Mr.
Smith – yes
Mr. Zoschak –
yes Mayor Ciaramella – yes
Motion carried 6
- 0
07-88 A resolution authorizing the refund of taxes.
07-89 A
resolution authorizing the release of a Maintenance Bond posted by Hunters
Ridge Development Company, Inc. for drainage improvements to Mooney Rd. Block
33.1, Lot 3 (new block 9202 – several lots)
soil
relocation at Lake Street, Ledgewood, Block 8602, Lots 2,3,4,5,14,15
07-91 A
resolution authorizing the acceptance and execution of a developer’s agreement
between the Township of Roxbury and Ralzone, L.L.C.
07-92 A resolution authorizing the refund of Taxes
07-93 A resolution authorizing the refund of Taxes
demolition
and disposal of Farm Buildings
07-95 A
resolution authorizing the Award of a Contract for a 10 Foot Wide Area Mower - Pulled
07-96 A Resolution amending the Membership of the
Township Fire Department
07-97 A resolution authorizing the refund of Taxes
Development
Known as Willow Walk Phase 8
Development
Known as Willow Walk II (A.K.A. Renaissance Village and Pondside Manor) Block
6201, Lot 5
PERSONNEL CHANGES
Memo from Judy
Riley dated March 7, 2007
COMMUNICATIONS
March 9, 2007
#1 -
Correspondence from Christopher Raths, to Mayor/Council, dated March 9, 2007,
re: Information Update - (12) Overview on Route 10 project – Mr. Rilee thanked
Council for standing together on this project.
Council would like Mr. Raths to send a letter to the DOT requesting the
installation of a signal light at the intersection of Main Street and Commerce
Boulevard, leaving the jug handle at the Hess Station and extending the turn
lane Eastbound on Route 10 at Hillside Avenue.
#33
– Mayors Fax Advisory, dated March 6, 2007, re: A3807/S-457, Time of Decision
& A-3860, Curtailing Municipal Zoning Authority – Council would like Mr.
Raths to send a letter opposing both proposed legislations.
#41 –
Correspondence from NJDOT, dated March 5, 2007, re: Maintenance Roadway Repair
Contract No. 162, Route 46, MP 31.30 to 33/40, MP 39.10 to 40.00 – A resolution
will be prepared for a noise waiver.
PUBLIC PORTION
Julia Giammona,
a student at St. Michaels School in Netcong, stated that she attended the
meeting tonight for a Social Studies project.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
07-101 A
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 9:05PM Mr.
Rilee made a motion to adjourn the Regular Meeting. Mr. Schmidt seconded the motion.
All In Favor –
yes
Submitted By:
______________________________
BettyLou DeCroce
Township Clerk
MINUTES APPROVED BY COUNCIL
DATE: September 25, 2007
ROLL CALL: Mr. Rilee – yes Mr.
Smith – yes
Mrs. DeFillippo – abstain Mr.
Hall – yes
Mr. Zoschak – yes Mayor
Ciaramella - yes