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November 5, 2007

 

A Regular Meeting was held by the Township Council of the Township of Roxbury on November 5, 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):  Councilwoman Kathy DeFillippo, Councilman Fred Hall, Richard Zoschak, Jim Rilee, Martin Schmidt and Mayor John Ciaramella

 

ALSO PRESENT:  Christopher Raths, Township Manager; Anthony Bucco, Township Attorney; BettyLou DeCroce, Township Clerk and Mary Jane Parr, Administrative Aide

 

ABSENT:  Deputy Mayor Tim Smith

 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

October 9, 2007 Executive Session

October 9, 2007 Regular Meeting

 

Councilman Schmidt made a motion to approve the October 9, 2007 Executive Session minutes and the October 9, 2007 Regular Meeting minutes.  Councilwoman DeFillippo seconded the motion.

 

ROLL CALL:                        Mr. Schmidt ? Yes              Mrs. DeFillippo ? Yes

                                    Mr. Hall ? Yes                       Mr. Rilee ? Abstain

                                    Mr. Zoschak ? Yes              Mayor Ciaramella ? Abstain

 

Motion Carried 4 ? 0, with 2 Abstentions        

 

PUBLIC PORTION

 

Mr. Steven Adell

606 E. Vail Road, Landing

 

Mr. Adell announced that he is the President of the Roxbury High School Band Patron Association and announced to Council that for the first time the Roxbury High School Marching Gaels are the 2007 New Jersey State Champions.

 

Mr. Adell also stated tomorrow night the band will perform for the public at the Roxbury Football Filed at 8:45 pm

 

 

REPORTS OF COUNCIL LIAISON REPRESENTATIVES, COUNCIL COMMITTEES AND NEW BUSINESS/OLD BUSINESS

 

New Business:

            NONE

Old Business:

Procurement Policy

 

Councilwoman DeFillippo stated that on October 24, 2007 there was a Freeholder meeting held here at Roxbury Town Hall and that Deputy Mayor Smith spoke about our concerns over the railroad issues.  Mrs. DeFillippo also stated a resident, Christine Houtz spoke about the many accidents that have occurred at 1 Landing Road and as a result, this location will be getting a guardrail.  Mr. Raths added that he did speak with Mr. Chris Vitz from the County and it should be completed within the next few weeks.

 

Councilwoman DeFillippo stated that on October 26, 2007 she attended a water/sewer meeting and on October 30, 2007 she attended a Water Summit in Mt. Arlington with the D.E.P. and M.U.A. and a number of different Municipalities.  The M.U.A. is attempting to make some adjustments to their contracts to comply with the D.E.P. to receive more water.   Roxbury should be receiving some water as an outcome of the adjustments stated Councilwoman DeFillippo.

 

Councilwoman DeFillippo stated that she and Councilman Hall attended a bench memorial dedication on November 4, 2007 for Lance Cpl. Donald Brown given by the Browns Baptist Church in Succasunna at Horseshoe Lake.  Mrs. DeFillippo stated that she just happened to find out about the service from reading an article in the Roxbury Register and she and Councilman Hall attended the dedication and represented the Town Council.  Ms. DeFillippo stated the Brown family would like to have their bench stained to match the other benches at Horseshoe Lake.

 

Councilwoman DeFillippo stated that the Main Street Streetscaping meeting date was changed and will be held on this Wednesday, November 7, 2007.

 

Mrs. DeFillippo questioned Mr. Raths if a generator has been hooked up at Fire Company #3.  Mr. Raths stated he would have to check.

 

Mr. Raths stated that the Eyland Avenue project is behind schedule and on Friday, Mr. Kobylarz sent out a letter to the Schenley Construction Company stating we are very concerned about the lack of progress and would like an updated schedule and for work to commence by next week and they will be required to pay $300/calanedar day and $420/working day.  Mr. Raths stated that Schenley Construction contacted Mr. Kobylarz today and they are requesting a two (2) week extension.

 

Mayor Ciaramella stated we should abide by the contract and that we are entitled to the penalty clause.  The Mayor went also stated that at two meetings he attended with Schenley Construction they stated that they work 10 hour days and are off on Fridays, but since they are behind schedule they should be willing to work 5 days a week to get the job done since they have fallen way behind schedule.

 

Mr. Rilee stated he is very concerned about Schenley Construction asking for a two week extension.  Mr. Raths stated he wants to wait and see what Schenley Construction puts in writing before we make any decisions.  Mayor Ciaramella agreed with Mr. Raths on waiting to see how they respond in writing.

 

Councilman Hall wants liquidated damages and questioned Mr. Bucco if we can hold anything else against them to bring them to respond as quickly as possible.  Mr. Bucco stated that the liquidated damages should make them respond quickly and that we also have the ability to hold the performance bonds.  Mr. Bucco stated we could also have a new contractor come in if we wanted to.  Mr. Hall stated that the $300/day is not really going to affect them.  Mr. Bucco recommends getting them back to the site to finish the job they started and worry about damages after the job is completed.  Mr. Hall and Mr. Raths stated they agree with Mr. Bucco.

 

Mr. Raths stated if we start to hold bonds and claim damages we risk the contractor leaving the site.  Mr. Raths wants to see why they want the 2 week extension in writing as to why they need it before we pursue any kind of action.

 

Councilwoman DeFillippo questioned Mr. Raths when the Highlands Council will have their map prepared.  Mr. Raths stated that the map will be available on November 19, 2007.

 

Councilman Rilee questioned Mr. Raths on the Hotel/Motel tax that was paid to Mt. Arlington by mistake.  Mr. Raths stated we will have our account reimbursed directly.

 

Councilman Rilee stated that he did not like the way the agenda was set up this time and would rather have the resolution come before the memo and any additional information behind it.

 

Councilman Hall stated that along with the outstanding accomplishments of the Roxbury High School Band he wants to acknowledge the Roxbury Girls Soccer Team who won the Morris County Title and State Sectionals for the third time.  Also the Girls Cross Country Team won the County Title and the State Sectionals.

 

Mr. Raths stated he will be sending out e-mails for the budget kick-off meetings. 

 

Mr. Raths stated that the 2007 Readers Choice Award from the Daily Record for the best park in Morris County went to Horseshoe Lake.  Mr. Hall added that we have a great number of volunteers in Roxbury Township keeping our fields in great shape. Mr. Rilee agrees with Mr. Hall?s comments.

 

Mr. Raths stated we have been approached by habitat for humanity and they may be submitting an application for some Township owned land on 5 Vail Road in Landing.  Mr. Raths stated a memo will be forthcoming.  Mr. Rilee stated he is concerned about the drainage issue in that area.

 

Mr. Raths stated he will be out of the office on Thursday and Friday of this week.

 

MATTERS REQUESTED/REFERRED BY COUNCIL MEMBERS, MANAGER, ATTORNEY OR CLERK

 

PROCLAMATION- National Family Caregivers Month

 

Mayor Ciaramella read the proclamation for National Caregivers Month.

 

Councilman Zoschak stated that this past Saturday John Crimmi had his annual Seniors Dinner with 180 people in attendance.  Roxbury Rotary volunteered and the Roxbury High School Girls Interact group helped out also and they also helped out at the Township Halloween Parade at Horseshoe Lake.

 

 DRAFT ORDINANCES FOR DISCUSSION

                        NONE

 

INTRODUCTION OF PROPOSED ORDINANCES

NONE 

 

 HEARING AND ADOPTION OF ORDINANCES ON SECOND READING

NONE

 

INTRODUCTION AND ADOPTION OF RESOLUTIONS

07-421  A RESOLUTION INCORPORATING BY REFERENCE HEREIN AND    APPROVING THE FOLLOWING NUMBERED RESOLUTIONS LISTED ON THE REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA FOR THIS DATE:  07-422, 07-423, 07-424, 07-425, 07-426, 07-427, 07-428, 07-429, 07-430, 07-431, 07-432, 07-433, 07-434, 07-435, 07-436

 

Councilman Rilee made a motion to adopt Resolution 07-421. Councilman Schmidt seconded the motion.

 

After discussion, Councilman Rilee amended his motion to change the amount on Resolution 07-430 not to exceed the amount of $91,618.00.

 

ROLL CALL:                        Mr. Rilee ? Yes                     Mr. Schmidt ? Yes

                                    Mrs. DeFillippo ? Yes         Mr. Hall ? Yes

                                    Mr. Zoschak ? Yes              Mayor Ciaramella ? Yes

 

Motion Carried 6 ? 0

 

07-422  A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE RELEASE OF A PERFORMANCE GUARANTEE POSTED FOR RIGHT-OF-WAY EXCAVATION PERMIT NO.  OCT0507, 149 EMMANS ROAD, FLANDERS, BLOCK 5801, LOT 6

 

07-423  A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE REFUND OF UNUSED ENGINEERING INSPECTION ESCROW TO SUSAN AND GEORGE ABENDROTH IN CONNECTION WITH MINOR SOIL PERMIT NO. 092407, 35 HENRY STREET, SUCCASUNNABLOCK 3004 LOT 14

 

07-424  A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE REFUND OF UNUSED ENGINEERING INSPECTION ESCROW TO ARTHUR TORONZI IN CONNECTION WITH MINOR SOIL PERMIT NO. 090707B, 256 BERKSHIRE VALLEY ROAD, WHARTON BLOCK12602, LOT 7

 

07-425  A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE AWARD OF A PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERING SERVICES CONTRACT TO THOMAS GRAU, P.E. OF HATCH MOTT MACDONALD FOR GENERAL ENGINEERING SERVICES ? YEAR 2007 FOR THE SEWER UTILITY

 

07-426  A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE RELEASE OF CASH BOND NO. 2005-119 IN CONNECTION WITH A MAJOR SOIL RELOCATION PERMITFOR WEST CHESTER MACHINERYBLOCK 9303 LOTS 6 & 7

 

07-427  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 TOWNE TOYOTA, LOCATED ON RT. 46, BLOCK 8602 LOT 12, 49 & 50

 

07-428  A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE RELEASE OF THE PERFOR-MANCE BOND AND CASH BOND POSTED IN CONNECTION WITH A MAJOR SOIL RELOCATION PERMIT FOR DELL AVE PROPERTIES LOCATED ON DELL AVENUE IN THE TOWNSHIP OF ROXBURY (BLOCK 7101 LOTS 17 & 18)

 

07-429  RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING REFUND OF UNUSED ESCROW MONIES PREVIOUSLY DEPOSITED WITH THE TOWNSHIP OF ROXBURYFOR DEVELOPMENT MATTERS PURSUANT TO CHAPTER XIII (LAND USE) OF THE REVISED GENERAL ORDINANCES OF THE TOWNSHIP OF ROXBURY

 

07-430  A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF (2) DUMP TRUCK BODIES AND ACCESSORIES FROM TONY SANCHEZ LTD FOR THE TOWNSHIP?S ROAD AND WATER DEPARTMENTS

 

07-431  A RESOLUTION AMENDING THE MEMBERSHIP OFTHE TOWNSHIP FIRE DEPARTMENT

 

07-432  A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE REFUND OF WATER PAYMENT

 

07-433  A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE REFUND OF SEWER UTILITY OVERPAYMENT    

 

            07-434  A  RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE REFUND OF TAXES

 

              07-435   A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE REFUND OF TAXES

 

 07-436   A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PAYMENT OF BILLS

 

PERSONNEL CHANGES

Memo Dated November 2, 2007 From Judy Riley

 

COMMUNICATIONS

 

OCTOBER 26, 2007

#4 ? Correspondence from Dennis Hart, Executive Director, New Jersey Environmental Infrastructure dated October 9, 2007 RE: Pump Station & Land Acquisition ? Mr. Rilee questioned if this is over the life of the loan ? Mr. Raths stated he would have to check and get back to Council.

 

#7 ? Monthly Revenue Summary of the Township of Roxbury for the Period January 1, 2007 through September 30, 2007 ? Mr. Zoschak questioned Mr. Raths if we already spent 100% of the money on Animal Control. Mr. Raths stated that this is the contract that we have with Golub Animal Hospital.

 

NOVEMBER 2, 2007

#1 ? Interoffice Memo from Township Manager to Mayor & Council dated November 2, 2007 RE: Information Update ? Mrs. DeFillippo questioned Mr. Raths on the Lakeside Blvd. sidewalks and if the Township has all the approvals to begin construction.  Mr. Raths stated that we do not have all the approvals and that he did get some on Saturday.  Mr. Raths stated the job will begin sometime next week after we get approval from some of the Residents in that area and they sign off.

 

#9 - Mayors Fax Advisory dated October 25, 2007 RE: The ?Sign Code Shakedown? ? Coming Soon to a Town Near You ? Mr. Hall wants the Planning Board to make sure they are aware of this along with the Master Plan Committee.
 
#10 ? Mayors Fax Advisory dated October 25, 2007 RE: URGENT ACTION NEEDED ON SOLID WASTE LOOPHOLE ? Mr. Rilee stated that the Manager should express Council?s concerns on this matter. Mr. Raths stated he would.

 

#17 ? Correspondence from Borough of Cape May Point to the N.J. Mayors Association, Larry Anzovino ? Executive Director dated October 5, 2007 RE: Thank you Note for Flashlights & Dome Lights ? Mrs. DeFillippo questioned why this memo came to Roxbury Township ? Mr. Rilee stated it is a bulk thank you letter sent out to all the Mayors.  Mrs. DeCroce stated that the articles attached and the thank you note all came from the Mayors Association.

 

#18 ? Correspondence from John P. Inglesino, Esq. to Mayor & Council of the Borough of Netcong dated October 30, 2007 RE: Sogima L.A. Manager, REO, L.L.C., Blue Vista Consulting, L.L.C., Block 9202, Lots 1, 2, 9 & 10 (the ?Property?), U.S. Route 206 & Mountain Ave., Roxbury, NJ  - Mr. Rilee stated that he is very concerned over this over the sewer connection and this is a very important matter.  Mr. Raths stated that it is our sewage passing through Netcong. Mr. Raths stated he will speak with our Engineering Department to see exactly where the sewer lines run.

 

#19 ? Correspondence from Gerald Rohsler, Director of County of Morris, Department of Planning, Department & Technology, Division of Transportation to Councilman Tom Smith, Township of Roxbury dated October 26, 2007 RE: Roxbury?s Concerns Regarding the Morristown & Erie Railway ? Mr. Zoschak stated that this letter was in response to Deputy Mayor Smith?s meeting last week with the County Freeholders.  Mrs. DeFillippo questioned Mr. Raths if he would be scheduling a meeting with the Council.  Mr. Raths stated he would.

 

Mayor Ciaramella questioned Mr. Blood, Assistant Director of Public Works who did the clean up job along Berkshire Valley Road.  Mr. Blood stated that the Sheriff Labor Assistance Program (SLAP) did the job. 

 

PUBLIC PORTION

 

Robert Kluska

274 Emmans Road

 

Mr. Kluska wanted Council to know that at 12:30 pm today he was on Eyland Avenue in front of Eisenhower Middle School and there were 5 or 6 workers working on the sidewalks on Eyland Avenue.

 

Richard Zoschak

559 Wills Road, Landing

 

Mr. Zoschak complained about the extraordinary number of campaign signs coming out of Landing onto Route 46 and that there are way to many of them.

 

EXECUTIVE SESSION ? There was no Executive Session

 

07-437  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

 

ADJOURNMENT

At 8:20 PM 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:                        December 11, 2007

ROLL CALL:                        Mr. Zoschak ? yes                 Mr. Hall ? yes

                                    Mrs. DeFillippo ? yes           Mr. Rilee ? yes

                                    Mr. Schmidt ? yes                 Deputy Mayor Smith - yes