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July 24, 2007

 

A Workshop Meeting was held by the Township Council of the Township of Roxbury on June 26, 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 (Present):  Kathy DeFillippo, Jim Rilee, Martin Schmidt, Tim Smith 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:  Councilman Richard Zoschak and Councilman Fred Hall   

 

REPORTS OF COUNCIL LIAISON REPRESENTATIVES, COUNCIL  

COMMITTEES AND NEW BUSINESS/OLD BUSINESS

New Business

1.  RideProvide

Mr. Raths stated that this is a new program that a non-profit organization is attempting to put in place within the County.  They are attempting to secure drivers and provide rides for seniors throughout the County.  Ms. Liz Accles can be contacted by anyone who would like to volunteer.

 

2.  Library Board Appointment un-expired term of Lorraine Okun

Council members have not had an opportunity to review the two names that have been mentioned.  Mayor Ciaramella will make the appointment at the next meeting. 

 

Old Business

Procurement Policy – Mr. Bucco’s  office is working on this.

 

Health Department Presentation-Frank Grisi

Will be discussed later in the meeting.

 

At this time Mayor Ciaramella amended the agenda to the Public portion.

 

PUBLIC PORTION

Robert Church, 256 Eyland Avenue, Succasunna stated that three bids were received for Resolution 07-294 and the lowest bid was not accepted. Mr. Raths stated that this was a clerical error and the resolution will be revised tonight.

 

Mr. Church also stated that the large signs being posted on the road by the police advertising their wiffle ball tournament are a distraction, which can cause accidents.

 

Dennis Wine, 4 Holly Drive, Succasunna, stated that there was an article in the newspaper on pension contribution costs, but Roxbury was not included.  Mr. Raths stated that Lisa Palmieri, Chief Financial Officer, is working on this and the Township’s payment will be up in 2008 for Police pension and in 2008 and 2009 for the Public Employees Retirement System.  Mr. Raths further stated that it will be approximately $500,000 for the next few years.

 

Mr. Wine also commented on a letter from Assemblyman DeCroce asking for support on a campaign to persuade Governor Corzine not to sell the State’s


highways.  Mrs. DeCroce stated that the Township sent a letter to the Governor’s office objecting to the selling of the Turnpike and the Parkway.

 

Jeff Seeger, 3 Little Lane, spoke about the ATV problem in the Township and feels that the Township should have a place where people can ride them.  Mayor Ciaramella stated that the Council is attempting to prevent the misuse of Township owned property.  Mrs. DeCroce stated that the Morris County Joint Insurance Fund has not allowed any municipality to do this.   

 

Anthony Petridis, 84 Orben Drive, Landing, spoke about the funding for Lake Musconetcong.  Mr. Raths stated that the Township paid their portion for membership of the Lake Musconetcong Regional Planning Board.

 

Mr. Petridis stated that the Police Department has requested funding of approximately $5,000 to purchase an ATV in past years and it has been turned down.  He further stated that the Township’s open space and walking trails cannot be accessible by anything other than a bicycle or walking.  Mr. Petridis asked Council if anyone has approached a manufacturer to see if they would donate an ATV to the Township or, since the vehicle would be used to help police the open spaces the Township is purchasing, could it be purchased with open space funding.  Mr. Smith stated that the open space money is currently used for purchasing property only.  Mr. Raths stated that before anyone solicits funds to purchase a piece of equipment to be given to the Township, the Council first has to accept that piece of equipment.  Mr. Raths further stated that he is waiting for a report from the police department regarding park vandalism and ATV use, which will address many of the questions that residents have brought to Council.

 

Don Walker, 6 Kurt Drive, Ledgewood, read some statistics about injuries caused by ATV’s.  Mr. Walker stated that he would like to donate money towards an ATV for use by the Police Department.  Mayor Ciaramella stated that the Council will reserve their decision until after they have seen the report from the Police Department.

 

At this time Mayor Ciaramella amended the Agenda to the Olde Suckasunny Day Proclamation

 

Proclamation- Old Suckasunny Day

Mayor Ciaramella read the above Proclamation declaring September 8, 2007 as “Olde Suckasunny Day” in the Township of Roxbury.

 

PUBLIC PORTION

Previously Discussed

 

At this time Mayor Ciaramella amended the Agenda to the Health Department Presentation

 

Health Department Presentation by Frank Grisi

Mr. Grisi spoke about emergency preparedness and showed a power point presentation on the challenges we have to prepare for and spoke on planning ahead not only for your family but also for your pets.

 

MATTERS REQUESTED/REFERRED BY COUNCIL MEMBERS MANAGER ATTORNEY CLERK

A.  Proclamation- Old Suckasunny Day – Previously Discussed

B.   Ledgewood Baptist Church Kiddie Parade August 11, 2007

C.  15 Melissa Lane Block Party September 3,2007

D.  18 Tamarack Drive Block Party September 15,2007

 

Mr. Rilee made a motion to approve Items B, C and D.  Mr. Schmidt seconded the motion.

 

Roll Call:

Mr. Rilee – yes Mr. Schmidt – yes

Mrs. DeFillippo – yes   Mr. Smith – yes

Mayor Ciaramella – yes

 

Motion carried 5 – 0

 

Mr. Raths advised Council that the Ledgewood Baptist Church is putting on an addition and they are looking for a waiver of the cash performance bond of $7,200 for the planting of 12 trees.  Mr. Robert Stark, a member of the Building Committee for the Ledgewood Baptist Church, assured the Council that the trees will be planted.  They are only looking for a waiver of the performance bond.

 

Mr. Rilee made a motion to waive the performance bond of $7,200 for trees.  Mr. Schmidt seconded the motion.

 

Roll Call:

Mr. Rilee – yes Mr. Schmidt – yes

Mrs. DeFillippo- yes     Mr. Smith – yes

Mayor Ciaramella – yes

 

Motion carried 5 - 0

 

At this time Mayor Ciaramella amended the Agenda to Item 4

 

REPORTS OF COUNCIL LIAISON REPRESENTATIVES, COUNCIL  

COMMITTEES

Mr. Schmidt advised that the Environmental Commission met recently and they discussed the ATV situation.  They are waiting for the  report from Chief Noll.

 

Mrs. DeFillippo requested an update on the crime in the Township parks.  Mr. Raths advised that this is all part of the report that will be coming from Chief Noll.

 

Mrs. DeFillippo stated that the Main Street Streetscaping Committee met last week.  They finalized plans for a potential fundraiser for the Main Street project.

 

Mrs. DeFillippo stated that the Economic Development Committee will meet this Thursday.

 

Mrs. DeFillippo advised that she received a call from a Mt. Olive Council person regarding Route 206.  She recommended that a letter be sent to Mt. Olive and Chester Township to organize a meeting to discuss ways to improve the traffic conditions on Route 206.  Mr. Raths will send a letter to the Mayors of Mt. Olive and Chester regarding this matter.

 

Ms. DeFillippo stated that she has seen lawn signs in Wharton Borough stating “Thank you for Slowing Down” and Madison is also doing a campaign for safe driving.  She feels that this is a good idea for sections of Roxbury Township.

 

Mrs. DeFillippo stated that she has been working with the Recreation Department pertaining to a potential Ledgewood Trail Day, which would be held to promote the Ledgewood trail and campfire. This may be a joint effort between Recreation, the Health Department (for lyme disease) and the Library (for the story telling and sing along).  They are looking at a date in September.

 

Mrs. DeFillippo discussed the information in the Communications packages regarding Social Services. She stated that she likes the idea of knowing how many households are utilizing Social Services and when clients are added or dropped.  Mrs. DeFillippo would like suggestions as to what can be done with the overflow of donations.  Mr. Raths will speak with Janet Wald, Social Services Director.

 

Mr. Rilee asked if the Township has heard from the County Parks Commission or the MCMUA regarding the bike path.  Mr. Raths stated that we have not and he will follow up.

 

Mr. Rilee advised that the DPW meeting was postponed again.  Mr. Raths stated that the Engineer is finishing the site plan.  Mr. Blood, Assistant DPW Director, stated that he met with the architect this morning regarding the rough draft of the mechanicals and it will take at least two weeks for them to get back to us.  Mr. Raths will set up a meeting of the DPW Committee.

 

Mr. Smith stated that there is a potential open space  acquisition in the Berkshire Valley and one in Port Morris with the Morris Canal.

 

Mr. Smith advised that the Roxbury Foundation for Excellence in Education has asked if any Council members would like to attend their meetings. If anyone if interested, they can advise Mr. Smith.

 

Mr. Smith stated that a front-end loader has been parked on Radcliffe Drive over night and, since this is against the Township Ordinance, he would like the police department to find out who it is. 

 

Mayor Ciaramella asked Mr. Blood if he feels that the groundbreaking for the new DPW facility will still be in September or October of this year.   Mr. Blood stated that it will probably take place take place in November/December.

 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

None

 

DRAFT ORDINANCES FOR DISCUSSION

None

 

INTRODUCTION OF PROPOSED ORDINANCES

 

 

17-7    AN ORDINANCE TO VACATE ANY AND ALL PUBLIC RIGHTS IN

AND TO A 15 FT. WIDE UTILITY EASEMENT LOCATED AT THE NORTHEAST CORNER OF BLOCK 3604, LOT 2, MORE COMMONLY KNOWN AS 139 ROUTE 10 EAST IN THE TOWNSHIP OF ROXBURY, COUNTY OF MORRIS AND STATE OF NEW JERSEY

 

Mr. Rilee made a motion to introduce Ordinance 17-07.  Mr. Schmidt seconded the motion.

 

Roll Call:

Mr. Rilee – yes Mr. Schmidt – yes

Mrs. DeFillippo – yes   Mr. Smith – yes           

Mayor Ciaramella – yes

 

Motion carried 5 – 0

 

HEARING AND ADOPTION OF ORDINANCES ON SECOND READING

NONE

 

Mrs. DeCroce advised that Ordinance 16-07 should have been on tonight’s Agenda for second reading.  However, there was a problem with the Daily Record publication and, therefore, it needs to be carried to the August 14th meeting. 

 

16-7     An Ordinance Authorizing the Execution of an Addendum to the Real

Estate Lease Dated April 1, 2002 Between the Township of Roxbury and Roxbury Historic Trust, Inc. for the King Store and King Homestead, Block 6408, Lot 1

 

Mr. Rilee made a motion for Ordinance 16-07 be carried to August 14, 2007.  Mr. Schmidt seconded the motion.

 

Roll Call:

Mr. Rilee – yes Mr. Schmidt – yes

Mrs. DeFillippo – yes   Mr. Smith  -yes

Mayor Ciaramella – yes

 

Motion carried 5 - 0

 

Mr. Rilee asked if the Township could advertise in the Star Ledger.  Mrs. DeCroce will look into the cost.

 

DRAFT RESOLUTION FOR DISCUSSION

None

 

 INTRODUCTION AND ADOPTION OF RESOLUTIONS

7-285    A RESOLUTION INCORPORATING BY REFERENCE HERE IN AND

APPROVING THE FOLLOWING NUMBERED RESOLUTIONS LISTED ON THE WORKSHOP COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA FOR THIS DATE:  07-286, 07-288, 07-289, 07-290, 07-291, 07-292, 07-293, 07-294, 07-295, 07-296, 07-297, 07-298, 07-299, 07-300, 07-301, 07-302

 

Mr. Rilee made a motion to adopt Resolution 07-285.  Mr. Smith seconded the motion.

 

Roll Call:

Mr. Rilee – yes Mr. Smith –yes

Mrs. DeFillippo – yes   Mr. Schmidt – yes

Mayor Ciaramella – yes (abstain on check nos. 44882 and 44886)

 

Motion carried 5 – 0 with one abstention on check nos. 44882 and 44886

 

7-286    A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE AWARD OF A FARM LEASE

TO    ASHLEY FARMS OF FLANDERS, LLC FOR PROPERTY OWNED BY THE TOWNSHIP OF ROXBURY AND KNOWN AS BLOCK 9002, PART OF LOT 1.02 AND BLOCK 8101, PART OF LOT 1 (GOTTDIENER PROPERTY)

 

7-287    A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE ACCEPTANCE OF A  CASH

BOND FOR SOIL RELOCATION ON PROPERTY OWNED BY ANIL   RANA, LOCATED ON  BERKSHIRE VALLEY ROAD BLOCK 7001, LOT 2 - PULLED

 

7-288    A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE RELEASE OF A

PERFORMANCE GUARANTEE POSTED FOR RIGHT-OF-WAY  EXCAVATION PERMIT NO. NOV2906 39 FOX CHASE LANE, LEDGEWOOD BLOCK 9205, LOT 43

 

7-289    A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE RELEASE OF A

PERFORMANCE GUARANTEE POSTED FOR RIGHT-OF-WAY  EXCAVATION PERMIT NO. JUNE2207 4 JESSICA LANE, SUCCASUNNA BLOCK 4401, LOT 13

 

7-290    A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE AWARD OF A CONTRACT

TO SCHENLEY CONSTRUCTION, INC. FOR THE DRAINAGE AND ROAD IMPROVEMENTS TO EYLAND AVENUE - PHASE V PROJECT

     

7-291    RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE REFUND OF APPLICATION

FEE 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

 

7-292    A RESOLUTION REJECTING THE LOW BID RECEIVED FOR THE

PURCHASE OF A BRUSH CHIPPER AND AUTHORIZING THE AWARD OF THE CONTRACT TO THE SECOND BIDDER VERMEER NORTH ATLANTIC

 

7-293    A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE AWARD OF A CONTRACT

TO TILCON NEW YORK INCORPORATED FOR MILLING AND PAVING OF VARIOUS ROADS IN THE SHORE HILLS AREA OF THE TOWNSHIP

 

7-294    A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF ONE

GOTHAM  CITY AIR BAG KIT AND PARATECH MASTER CONTROL PACKAGE

 

7-295    A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF TWO

 STRYKER POWER-PRO STRETCHERS

 

7-296    A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF A LEASE

PURCHASE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE TOWNSHIP OF ROXBURY AND KEY GOVERNMENT FINANCE, INC.

 

The Lease Agreement will state “Four Police Vehicles consisting of two Crown Victorias, one Dodge Charger and one SUV”.

 

7-297    A RESOLUTION OF THE TOWNSHIP OF ROXBURY, COUNTY OF

MORRIS, STATE OF NEW JERSEY, OPPOSING ASSEMBLY BILL A-4393 AMENDING THE LOCAL PUBLIC CONTRACTS LAW

 

7-298    A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF THE

 HISTORIC PRESERVATION TRUST FUND GRANT AGREEMENT WITH THE COUNTY OF MORRIS FOR THE MORRIS CANAL  PLANE 2 EAST, BLOCK 8501, LOT 5

 

07-299   A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE REFUND OF TAXES

 

7-299    A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE REFUND OF A WATER

 PAYMENT

           

7-300    A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE TOWNSHIP OF ROXBURY

TO ENTER  INTO AN ENTRY AND TESTING AGREEMENT WITH NEW YORK SMSA LIMITED PARTNERSHIP TO CONDUCT TESTING ON TOWNSHIP OF ROXBURY PROPERTY DESIGNATED ON THE TAX MAP OF THE TOWNSHIP OF ROXBURY AS BLOCK 9002, LOT 3

 

07-302   A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PAYMENT OF BILLS

           

 

 

COMMUNICATIONS

July 13, 2007

#19 – Correspondence from Carl Peters, NJ Society of Municipal Engineers, to Mayor Ciaramella, dated June 29, 2007, re: Invitation to participate in the 2007 Municipal Engineering Project of the Year Awards Program – Mr. Raths will follow up.

 

#21 – Correspondence from Lorissa Whitaker, Cross Acceptance Coordinator, Office of Smart Growth to Morris County Municipal Clerks, dated July 10, 2007, re: Morris County Cross Acceptance Hearing – Mr. Raths will attend.

 

July 20, 2007

#3 – Correspondence from Christopher Raths, to Mr. Albert Rigosi of Mt. Arlington, dated July 16, 2007, re: Roxbury Township’s Police to Not Dedicate Streets or Properties to Individuals –  Mr. Raths was commended on his letter.

 

#6 – Correspondence from Nina Mitchell Wells, Secretary of the State of New Jersey, dated July 16, 2007, re: 2008 V-Free Mini Grant Program – Mr. Raths sent this to Chief Noll for his review.

 

EXECUTIVE SESSION

07-303  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

 

Mr. Smith made a motion to adopt Resolution 07-303 for Executive Session.  Mr. Rilee seconded the motion.

 

Roll Call:

Mr. Smith – yes            Mr. Rilee – yes

Mrs. DeFillippo – yes   Mr. Schmidt – yes

Mayor Ciaramella – yes

 

Motion carried 5 – 0

    

ADJOURNMENT

At 9:45 PM Mr. Rilee made a motion to adjourn the Workshop Meeting.  Mrs. DeFillippo seconded the motion.

 

All In Favor - yes

 

 

 

_____________________

BettyLou DeCroce

Township Clerk

MINUTES APPROVED BY COUNCIL

DATE:                        February 19, 2008

ROLL CALL:            Mr. Rilee – yes Mrs. DeFillippo – yes

                                    Mr. Behrens – abstain   Mr. Hall – abstain

                                    Mayor Smith - yes