December
11, 2007
A Regular Meeting was held
by the Township Council of the Township of Roxbury on December 11, 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, Councilmen Richard
Zoschak, Fred Hall, Jim Rilee, Martin Schmidt, Deputy Mayor Tim Smith
ALSO PRESENT: Christopher Raths, Township Manager, Anthony Bucco,
Township Attorney, BettyLou DeCroce, Township Clerk and Mary Jane Parr,
Administrative Aide
ABSENT: Mayor John Ciaramella
Deputy
Mayor Tim Smith amended the agenda to number 7 - the presentation of the
Roxbury High School Marching Band.
Deputy Mayor Smith congratulated the band for being the state champions
and coming in first place for best Band and Color Guard. Deputy Mayor Smith presented the Band
Director, Mr. Nichols with a plaque from the Council for being the Group
VI State Champions for year 2007 and for all
their achievements.
MATTERS REQUESTED/REFERRED BY COUNCIL MEMBERS, MANAGER,
ATTORNEY OR CLERK
1.
ROXBURY HIGH
SCHOOL MARCHING BAND AWARD
Deputy
Mayor Smith amended the agenda again to have a presentation given by John
Celmer, Third Vice President, and Branch Sales Manager of Investors Savings
Bank regarding sponsoring the Roxbury Art Alliance Community Theater and having
signage with their name on it.
Deputy
Mayor Smith stepped down from the dais during this discussion. Council Member Fred Hall nominated Jim Rilee
to serve as Acting Mayor during this discussion. Councilman Zoschak seconded the motion.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Hall –
Yes Mr. Zoschak –
Yes
Ms.
DeFillippo – Yes Mr. Rilee – Yes
Mr.
Schmidt – Yes
Motion Carried 5 to 0
Mr.
Bucco made a statement that the Township has not officially agreed to have
naming rights to any facility in town and they would have to go out to bid
before any naming rights to the Art
Center could be
named. Mr. Bucco stated that the Council
has a long way to go before any naming rights could be completed.
Mr.
Rilee also stated we would have to have further discussions before any final
decisions are made. Mr. Rilee asked the
Clerk to check into advertising we have at baseball fields and the naming of Memory Lane and Fishermans Lane.
Mr.
Celmer stated they are very interested in the Roxbury Arts Program and would
like to help in any way they can. Mr.
Celmer stated that their graphic designers would work very closely with the
Council on designing a sign for the Arts
Center in Roxbury.
Mr.
Hall stated this gesture is very much appreciated by the Council.
Mr.
Schmidt questioned Mr. Bucco if any such deals have been made in the past. Mr. Bucco stated that more projects like this
are beginning to make municipalities and the States consider a strict policy.
Mr. Bucco stated this is a new concept that is beginning to be implemented all
around different Counties. Mr.
Bucco stated this policy could take a while to implement. Mr. Bucco stated we have to be very careful
of private and public speech and of potential litigation.
Mr.
Bucco questioned Council if they want him to look into a policy. Council stated yes.
Mr.
Rilee opened discussion to the Public on this matter.
Greg Somjen
Cornhollow Road
Succasunna
Mr. Somjen stated that in
regards to the Roxbury
Performing Arts
Center, we should not
change the name or spend a lot of time or money on writing a new policy on this
matter. Mr. Smojen also questioned
Council about signs that hand across roads advertising fireworks and the sign
we are talking a
Maureen Castriotta
21 Salmon Road
Landing
Ms.
Castriotta questioned Council on the amount of donation. Mr. Rilee stated the amount is $50,000.00.
Mark Barbone
19 Valley Road
Succasunna
Mr.
Barbone stated that he is the President of The Arts Alliance and has always
relied on contributions and that it is very important that we get a quick
resolution to get a top-notch arts center in Roxbury and to ensure that we get
the funding we need to make this Art
Center a reaility.
Mr.
Rilee closed the Public Portion.
At
this time Deputy Mayor Smith returned to the dais and amended the Agenda to the
Approval of Minutes.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
November 5, 2007 - Regular Meeting
November 27, 2007 - Executive Session
A
motion was made by Mr. Zoschak to approve the Minutes listed above. Mr. Hall seconded the motion.
ROLL CALL: Mr.
Zoschak – Yes Mr. Hall –
Yes
Ms.
DeFillippo – Yes Mr. Rilee –
Yes
Mr.
Schmidt – Yes Deputy Mayor
Smith – Yes
Motion Carried 6 to 0
PUBLIC PORTION
Fran Day
74 Orben Drive
Landing
Ms.
Day wanted Council to be aware that the Auditors report at
the Board Of Education meeting from June 30, 2007 was 1.27 million in
surplus. Ms. Day stated she is confused
why we have such a large surplus. Mr.
Raths stated he will check into it.
At
this time Deputy Mayor Smith closed the Public Portion to the Public and
amended the Agenda to item 6A – Recreation Presentation.
Mr.
Hall read a statement of the progress of the Field of Dreams Committee and of
the funds that have been raised to pursue these recreational plans.
Mr.
Raths thanked Dave Stierli for helping to put together this presentation and
spoke of a great opportunity for the Township and gave a slide presentation
entitled Recreational and Open Space Acquisition to Stewardship, which
includes:
§
Roxbury
Recreation 2005 Master Plan Conclusions and Findings
§
Roxbury Township’s Increased Recreational Needs
§
Recreational
Report Findings
§
Report’s
Conclusions
How do we get there from Here?
§
Objective 1: Create
Additional Playing Surfaces
§
Comparison of
Construction Cost Associated with Sod Fields vs. Turf Fields
§
Benefits of
Constructing a Synthetic (Turf) Field
§
10 Year
Comparison Analysis of Ongoing Expenses Related to Grass vs. Synthetic
§
Objective
2: Facilities Should be Reconfigured to Create Sports Complexes Throughout
the Community
§
Objective 3: The
established Trails Plan Should be Addressed Without a Increase in Taxes
§
Objective 4: Improve the
Stewardship of Existing Properties
§
Objective 5: Finance
Capital Projects Described in Previous Slides Without Tax Increase
§
In 2008, Through
the Implementation of the Capital Funds Fee, Approximately $80,000 will be
Available for Recreational Programs
Open Space Trust Fund Projections
§
Funds will Grow
from $461,000 to $827,360 by the year 2012
§
This Amount does
not include any Obligated Funds from the County or the $1.8 Million in
State Funding Available
§
The 1 Point Off
the Tax Rate equates to $19.56 on a Home Assessed at $200,000 Based on the 2008
Projected Net Balance
§
Objective
6: Implement a Recreational Capital Program
Phase 1 – Will Utilize
Capital Fund Fee to Finance the following Capital Projects:
§
Installation of
Turf Field
§
Landing Road
Phase 1
§
Field 11
Installation of Lights
§
Lyons Farms Environmental Education Center/Community Garden
§
Dell Avenue Improvement Excluding Fill/Grading
Phase 2 – This Phase Will
Utilize the Ability to Finance Capital Improvements With Retirement of 2011
Debt.
Phase 3 – This Phase Will
Utilize the Ability to Finance Capital Improvements With the Retirement of Debt
of 2016
Final Observation:
§
The Township has
a Unique Opportunity to Develop a Sense of Stewardship and Pride for our
Community
§
Such an
Opportunity May Not be Available for Many Years to Come
§
The Improvements Previously Discussed Will be Accomplished Without a Tax
Increase to our Residents
Mr.
Raths stressed that no tax increase for our residents makes this a great plan.
Deputy
Mayor Smith Opened the meeting to the Public for comments or questions.
Robert Kluska
274 Emmans Road
Mr.
Kluska stated that bonding is not going to increase our taxes, but our taxes
will not go down and it is replacing other bonds that would have been
retired. Mr. Kluska stated this money is
still coming out of the taxpayer’s pocket in interest. Mr. Kluska felt the slide presentation was
biased on the side of getting the turf fields and we should not commit to
anything until the taxpayers have a say.
Councilman
Hall stated that this is not just about a turf field, but about a multipurpose
field for all to use.
Frances Day
74 Orben Drive
Landing
Ms.
Day questioned when the environmental analysis would be completed on Landing Road. Mr. Raths stated in may be done in the next
few weeks and we are waiting for interpretation form the State which could take
any where from a few days to a few weeks.
Ms.
Day also questioned Council on who will run the scheduling of the Turf
Field? Mr. Hall stated we have not
gotten to that point as of yet.
Ms.
Day also questioned Council about Open Space being purchased in the Township.
Chris Rogers
Landing,
Mr.
Rogers stated that he googled the word “Turf Field” and the word “Staph
Infections” and there was a lot of information on the web that the two are
linked.
Mr.
Rogers stated he also googled the word “cooling systems” and there was also a
lot of information pertaining to the cost must which has to be installed with
these turf fields and wants to know if the Town has looked into it. Mr. Raths stated we will look into this
matter.
Jim Gordon
2 Reger Road
Flanders
Mr.
Gordon stated that according to State laws you cannot practice more than two
hours at a time according to State regulations in response to the heat
situation. Mr. Gordon stated he has been
in touch with people concerning health issues and he will forward it on to Mr.
Rogers for his information.
Maureen Castriotta
21 Salmon
Landing
Ms.
Castriotta asked what the life expectancy is on a turf field. Mr. Raths stated that the surface of turf
field is 12 years for the base of the turf field is for the life time as
compared to a grass field is 24 years but you replace pieces of it every year
with new sod stated Mr. Raths.
Ms.
Castriotta also asked about signage for the turf field. Mr. Bucco stated that this is a Board Of
Education issue and a policy will have to be developed before further
discussion.
Greg Somgen
Cornhollow Road
Succasunna
Wants
to confirm that his tax dollars will not go up.
The tax rate will stay as it is and we will have new turf fields. Mr. Zoschak stated that in the long run our
tax rates will actually go down.
Mr.
Somgen stated the turf fields are a great idea and we should move forward on
this and commended Mr. Stierli, Mr. Raths and Mr. Hall on their efforts.
Dennis Wine
Succasunna
Mr.
Wine questioned how many turf fields are we talking about. Mr. Hall stated this is a Shared Services
with the Board Of Education and the Town.
Mark Barbone
Succasunna
Mr.
Barbone stated that he is the former Roxbury High School Band Parent
President. Mr. Barbone wants to sponsor
an annual Marching Band Competition and it would be a huge fundraiser. It gives other bands the chance to visit the Roxbury School District. Mr. Barbone as a band parent is in favor of
moving ahead with the turf field
Tom Rayhoe
Succasunna
President of Roxbury Soccer Club
Mr.
Rayhoe stated he has over 2,000 kids that play soccer in town in the spring and
the fall and they have a difficult time maintaining the current fields and
paying for fertilizer and there is a desperate need for more fields in town. Mr. Rayhoe stated that they are at the point
now where they might need to limit the amount of kids that can join and play
soccer.
Jim Gordon
2 Reger Road, Flanders
Chairman of the Advisory Board
Mr.
Gordon stated that obesity is a big problem in the Nation and in Roxbury and
the Council has the ability to give kids in our community a safe environment
where they can play and exercise and urges Council to move forward and get the
field completed.
Rick Gersey
Kentwood Road
Succasunna
Mr.
Gersey is here tonight representing the Football Booster Fan Club and he is
also part of the fundraiser committee and is prepared to issue a check in the
amount $10,000 toward the installation of a turf field and presented a “paper
check” to Mr. Raths and they will have more money forthcoming to get this
project to move forward.
Mike Womer
Beeman Place
Succasunna
Mr.
Womer is the new President of the Colts football association. Mr. Womer stated he has 200 kids up to 8th
graders in the football program and the fields are in desperate need of repair
and the turf fields would be a great and valuable asset.
Mrs.
DeFillippo stated this field would also benefit the adults in the Community,
not just the kids. By increasing the
fields it also increases our revenue.
These fields will generate money by bringing people into our Community
and shop in our local businesses.
Mr.
Rilee stated the report was done very well and he agrees we do have a shortage
of fields and he does have some issues with it.
We should immediately go to our Open Space Committee to seek some
funding for this project and to start immediately working on this plan before
2009. We should be looking through our
capital cost. Mr. Rilee would like to
accommodate the Master Plan report of 2005. Mr. Rilee stated we should start
right away, even if it means before a Shared Service plan with the Board Of
Education arises.
Mr.
Zoschak stated that through the Open Space Committee and this project, Landing
will be part of this project. Mr.
Zoschak went on to state that there should be a Public Hearing on this
matter. Mr. Rilee also suggested it
should go out to the Public and have a Public Hearing on the turf field.
Mr.
Hall stated a lot of labor and time goes out to maintaining these fields that
the parents maintain.
Mr.
Schmidt stated that he is in support of having a turf field put in Roxbury.
Mr.
Smith stated he has been the Open Space Liaison for the past three years. This past year with the Highlands Protection
Act, it has taken away a lot of Open Space in Roxbury which is “protected” and
is close to a “preservation zone” and not buildable.
Mr.
Smith agreed with the majority of the Council that we should move ahead on the
turf field project as soon as possible.
Mr. Smith stated he appreciates everyone efforts in putting together the
turf field project without having the taxpayers having to pay for it.
Mr.
Raths stated that we are leaving this meeting tonight with implementing the new
recreation fee as of January 1, 2008.
Mr.
Smith did a straw poll of Council to see if there is an objection on the
raising of recreation fees beginning January 1, 2008. No one had any objections.
At
9:30 pm Council took a 10 minute break.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES – Previously discussed
November 5, 2007 - Regular Meeting
November 27, 2007 - Executive Session
PUBLIC PORTION – Previously discussed
REPORTS OF COUNCIL LIAISON REPRESENTATIVES, COUNCIL COMMITTEES AND NEW
BUSINESS/OLD BUSINESS
Mr.
Zoschak thanked Mr. Blood for sanding the roads in Landing and that the Road
Department did a great job.
Mr.
Schmidt stated that there is an Economic Development Committee meeting on
Thursday.
Ms.
DeFillippo stated there is a Main Street Street Scaping Committee meeting
tomorrow night. Also, the end of January
is when the fundraiser will be held. Mr.
Raths stated we were able to collect $6,000.00 anyway.
Ms.
DeFillippo stated she called in about another dead deer on South Hillside Avenue. Ms. DeFillippo questioned if there is a fee
involved in picking up the dead deer.
Mr. Raths stated an $85 fee for dead deer if it is on private property
would cost $85. If the deer is on the
side of the road it will be picked up free of charge.
Ms.
DeFillippo questioned about having cameras in the park for security
purposes. Ms. DeCroce stated she will
forward her information on this.
Mr.
Hall stated 2 players from Roxbury High School Girls Soccer Team were named
Morris County Players of the Year for soccer
- Lauren Penney & Rachel Senyszyn.
A plaque should be presented to them.
Mr.
Smith stated the Water/Sewer Committee has had a lot happen at the last meeting
and issues arose with the MUA contract.
Mr. Raths stated Mike Kobylarz is doing a report on this issue.
REPORTS OF COUNCIL LIAISON REPRESENTATIVES, COUNCIL COMMITTEES AND NEW
BUSINESS/OLD BUSINESS – Previously discussed
New Business:
A. Recreation Presentation
Old Business:
A. Procurement Policy
MATTERS REQUESTED/REFERRED BY COUNCIL MEMBERS, MANAGER,
ATTORNEY OR CLERK
1. ROXBURY HIGH SCHOOL
MARCHING BAND AWARD – Previously discussed
2.
CDRS APPOINTMENTS
Councilman Rilee made a
motion to reappoint Kathy DeFillippo and Richard Zoschak as a Representative of
the Community Development Revenue Sharing Committee and Marilyn Davis as an
Alternate Representative of the Community Development Sharing Committee. Councilman Schmidt seconded the motion.
ROLL CALL: Mr.
Rilee – Yes Mr.
Schmidt – Yes
Ms.
DeFillippo – Yes Mr. Hall – Yes
Mr.
Zoschak – Yes Deputy Mayor
Smith – Yes
Motion Carried 6 to 0
DRAFT ORDINANCES FOR DISCUSSION
NONE
INTRODUCTION OF PROPOSED ORDINANCES
NONE
HEARING AND ADOPTION OF ORDINANCES
ON SECOND READING
NONE
INTRODUCTION AND ADOPTION OF RESOLUTIONS
07-459 A RESOLUTION
INCORPORATING BY REFERENCE HEREIN AND
APPROVING THE FOLLOWING NUMBERED RESOLUTIONS LISTED ON THE REGULAR
COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA FOR THIS DATE:
07-460, 07-461, 07-462, 07-463, 07-464, 07-465, 07-466, 07-468, -7-469,
07-470, 07-471, 07-472, 07-473, 07-474
Mr. Rilee made a motion to
adopt Resolution 07-459. Mr. Schmidt
seconded the motion.
ROLL CALL: Mr.
Rilee – Yes Mr.
Schmidt – Yes
Ms.
DeFillippo – Yes Mr. Hall – Yes
Mr.
Zoschak – Yes Deputy Mayor
Smith – Yes with
Recusal
on check 46579
Motion Carried 6 to 0 with 1 Recusal
07-460 A RESOLUTION
AUTHORIZING THE REFUND OF UNUSED ENGINEERING INSPECTION ESCROW IN CONNECTION
WITH MINOR SOIL PERMIT NO. 110507, STEPHEN T. OROSZ, JR. 25 REGER ROAD, SUCCASUNNA, BLOCK 101 LOT 3.08
07-462 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE RELEASE OF A
PERFORMANCE GUARANTEE POSTED FOR RIGHT-OF-WAY EXCAVATION PERMIT NO. SEP2807A 17
BASS DRIVE, SUCCASUNNA, BLOCK 1603, LOT 20
07-463 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE
RELEASE OF A PERFORMANCE GUARANTEE POSTED FOR RIGHT-OF-WAY EXCAVATION PERMIT
NO. NOV0507, 264 BERKSHIRE VALLEY
ROAD, WHARTON, BLOCK 12602, LOT
10
07-464 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE
RELEASE OF A PERFORMANCE GUARANTEE POSTED FOR RIGHT-OF-WAY EXCAVATION PERMIT
NO. NOV1507, 26 JOYCE DRIVE,
SUCCASUNNA, BLOCK 401, LOT 20
07-465 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE REFUND OF UNUSED
ENGINEERING INSPECTION FEES TO MPG PROPERTIES LLC, 183 ROUTE 206 SOUTH, FLANDERS, BLOCK 9001, LOT 1
07-466 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE AWARD OF A PROFESSIONAL
SERVICES CONTRACT TO KEY ENVIRONMENTAL FOR A PHASE 1 ENVIRONMENTAL SITE
ASSESSMENT FOR THE PROPERTY KNOWN AS “DUCK POND” BLOCK 11410, LOT 1 LOCATED ON
ROGER’S DRIVE, LANDING, NJ
07-467 - PULLED RESOLUTION OF THE TOWNSHIP OF ROXBURY TO ENTER INTO AN INTERLOCAL
SERVICES CONTRACT WITH THE BOROUGH OF NETCONG FOR SOLID WASTE REMOVAL
07-468 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE AWARD OF A CONTRACT TO
GOVERNMENT STRATEGY GROUP FOR THE PURPOSE OF CONDUCTING A FEASABILTIY STUDY FOR
THE MAINTENACE OF ATHELETIC FIELDS THROUGH A SHARED SERVCE AGREEMENT WITH THE
ROXBURY TOWNSHIP BOARD OF EDUCATION
07-469 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE
OF A SEAARK 1872 BOAT, A 115HP. EVINRUDE OUTBOARD MOTOR AND A BOAT TRAILER FROM
PASCH MARINE, EASTON, PA. – Councilman Zoschak wants to make sure
that the Fire Department can utilize this boat.
07-470 A
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE TRANSFER OF FUNDS
07-471 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE
ISSUANCE OF A DUPLICATE TAX SALE
CERTIFICATE PURSUANT TO CHAPTER 99 OF THE PUBLIC LAWS OF 1997
07-472 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE REFUND
OF SEWER UTILITY OVERPAYMENT
07-473 A RESOLUTION
AUTHORIZING THE REFUND OF TAXES
07-474
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PAYMENT OF BILLS
PERSONNEL CHANGES
MEMO FROM JUDY RILEY DATED DECEMBER 5, 2007
COMMUNICATIONS
NOVEMBER 30, 2007 - File
Mr. Rilee made a motion to file the Communications
of November 30, 2007. Mr. Zoschak
seconded the motion.
ROLL CALL: Mr.
Rilee – Yes Mr.
Schmidt – Yes
Ms.
DeFillippo – Yes Mr. Hall – Yes
Mr.
Zoschak – Yes Deputy Mayor
Smith – Yes
Motion Carried 6 to 0
PUBLIC PORTION
EXECUTIVE SESSION
07-475 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
BettyLou DeCroce
Township Clerk
MINUTES APPROVED BY COUNCIL
DATE: March 11, 2008
ROLL CALL: Mr. Schmidt – yes Mr. Zoschak – yes
Mr.
Behrens – abstain Mr. Hall – yes
Mr. Rilee –
abstain Mayor Smith - yes