March 25, 2008
A Workshop/Budget Meeting was held by the Township Council of the
Township of Roxbury on March 25, 2008 at 1715 Route 46, Ledgewood, New Jersey
at 6:30 pm.
OPEN PUBLIC MEETING
STATEMENT
Notice is hereby given that a
Special Meeting of the Township Council of the Township of Roxbury will be held
on Tuesday, March 25, 2008 at 6:30 PM at 1715 Route 46, Ledgewood, New
Jersey. This meeting is being held for
the purpose of discussing the 2008 budget.
At 7:30 PM the scheduled Workshop Meeting will begin.
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 March 20, 2008; notice was posted on the bulletin board in
the main hallway of the Municipal Building on March 20, 2008.
ROLL CALL (Present): Deputy Mayor Kathy DeFillippo, Councilmen
Gary Behrens, Jim Rilee, Richard Zoschak
and Mayor Timothy Smith
Also Present: Christopher Raths, Township Manager;
Robert Oostdyk, Assistant
Township Attorney and
Janet Rieth, Deputy Township Clerk
Councilman Hall arrived at 6:45 PM
Councilman Schmidt arrived at 7:45 PM
Mayor Smith amended
the Agenda to the Public Portion
PUBLIC PORTION
Harold Weisner, 32 Honeyman Drive
discussed the snow that piles up by the bus stop at his corner. Mr. Raths will speak with the Public Works
Department and contact Mr. Weisner.
Robert Kluska, Emmans Road spoke regarding the proposed
turf field. He stated that, according to a recent radio broadcast, there are
health risks pertaining to turf fields and a municipality in Bergen County
has withdrawn its plans to install their field. He further stated that there is
talk about a moratorium on turf fields in NJ. He suggested that the Township
research the health aspects.
Maureen Castriotta, 21 Salmon Road,
Landing, stated that she also heard the radio program stating possible
long-term health hazards and there is a ban on turf fields in the UK.
Budget Discussion
Tax Assessor
Line Item 205, Contracted Services
The line item for Tax Map Updating & Revisions will be
changed to $2,500. Therefore, the total
for Account #205 will be $9,450.
Line Item 203 Assessing/Appraisal
The line item for Tax Appeal Appraisals will be reduced from
$10,000 to $9,000.
Water/Sewer
Mr. Behrens questioned the differential on health costs for
Water/Sewer. Mr. Raths explained that
money is charged to sewer from the Engineering Department and the Sewer
Department has more staff than the Water Department. Mr. Raths will look into reallocating and/or
reviewing the staff in regards to insurance costs for 2009.
Electronic Vaulting
Mr. Kuncken has looked into this
and the recommendation is to have off site back up 1000 miles away in case of a
natural disaster. Since the current
price is based on a 12-month year, this can be reduced to $11,880. This is complete off site back up. A retrieval system would be established next
year. Mr. Hall advised that this was
brought up due to the fact that our current back up system is getting older and
needs to be replaced. It was agreed to
put $5,280 in the budget this year to implement a program in the 4th
quarter.
Health Department
Line Item 101 will be reduced to $323,200 due to the nurse
retiring and the new nurse will be working less hours.
Line Item 242, Morris Regional Public Health Partnership
will be reduced to $1,000
Environmental
Commission
This will be reduced to $2,500.
Recreation
The $3,000 for Line Item 220, Contracted Services will be
taken out.
Detention Basin Maintenance
Mr. Raths will provide Council with an update on this.
Library
Mr. Raths advised that he met with the Library officials to
explain what the deductions are and why they have them and everyone agreed on
them.
Tipping Fees
This will be changed to $823,000 with the Netcong
offset. Mr. Raths advised that this
figure includes the $3 per ton that the State has mandated.
Pension (PERS, PFRS)
Mr. Raths stated that this $499,000 is the most significant
increase, which is mandated by the State.
Municipal Court
Ms. Palmieri advised that $11,800 of salaries would be
charged to the Public Defender Trust.
This was based on the average time that each staff member was able to
allocate towards the Trust.
LOSAP
This has gone up $15,000.
Mr. Raths will provide Council with the updates in a final
budget summary. The Budget will be
introduced at the meeting of April 8, 2008
REPORTS OF COUNCIL
LIAISON REPRESENTATIVES, COUNCIL COMMITTEES AND NEW BUSINESS/OLD BUSINESS
New Business
None
Old Business
Procurement Policy
Presentation
James Mel Acknowledgement ROMAC
Mayor Smith presented Jim Mel with a plaque recognizing his
leadership and dedication to ROMAC.
Frank Grisi, Health Officer, stated that Jim has been the chairman of
ROMAC for six years and wanted everyone to know of his dedication to the Alliance.
Jim Mell thanked Council and the ROMAC Committee for the
recognition and support for all the years of ROMAC. He stated that Roxbury
Township has one of the strongest
Municipal Alliances in Morris
County.
REPORTS OF COUNCIL
LIAISON REPRESENTATIVES
Mrs. DeFillippo stated that she received a call from
Hercules advising that Ed Meeks will be replacing Jim Beavis. She gave the
contact numbers to Mr. Raths. Mayor
Smith stated that he also received a call and he will be meeting with Mr. Meeks
tomorrow. Mr. Raths will set up a tour
of Hercules for the Council members who have not been there.
Mrs. DeFillippo stated that the teen driver report is to be released
from the State.
Mrs. DeFillippo advised that the Main Street Committee has
raised over $11,000
Mrs. DeFillippo advised that the Economic Development
Committee would meet Thursday evening.
Mr. Schmidt stated that the
Environmental Commission was to do a presentation at tonight’s meeting
regarding the Lines Farm. This will be
done after the Committee reports are completed tonight.
Mr. Zoschak advised that the Lake Hopatcong Commission met
last week. The boating fees are
proceeding at $100 per boat. The
implementation of this will not go into effect until next season. It is hoped that the State funding will
continue through this year.
Mr. Zoschak stated that a bear was spotted in Landing
today.
Trish Fragale, Chairperson of the Environmental Commission
gave a presentation regarding the possibility of a community garden on a
portion of the former Lines farm. There
would be a garden area on one side, where residents would rent a plot for the
season and the other side would be an environmental center. The overall goal would be to be able to begin
this next year. Mr. Behrens asked if the Township has any liability Mr. Schmidt
stated that he spoke with the Township Clerk and this would fall under the Township
insurance umbrella. Council agreed for
the commission to move forward.
PUBLIC PORTION
Maureen Castriotta, President of the Ladies Auxiliary of VFW
Post 2833, advised that the Post will be celebrating their 75th
anniversary at the Zeris Inn on June 8, 2008.
They are also holding a spaghetti fundraiser to offset the cost of the
celebration on April 20th from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
Robert Kluska, Emmans Road, stated that he feels that
the municipal garden is a great idea. He
asked if a local farmer didn’t want to use the land at one point. Mayor Smith stated that Mr. Ashley is using
property on Mooney
Mountain
Miriam Morris, 280 Emmans Road, spoke regarding the King
House Roof replacement. The total cost of the roof repair will be $112,950,
with a match of $20,570 from the Township.
This is higher that the original figures. The repair of the roof and the eaves is
$93,100, with an added $15,500 for repointing the foundation and adding down
spouts. Mr. Raths advised that the Township has been using open space trust
fund monies to match historic grants and the Township ordinance does not
specifically allow this. Discussion was
held regarding the possibility of changing the Ordinance or taking the money
from another location.
After discussion, the majority of
Council agreed for a letter of commitment to be written to provide the match.
Mr. Rilee and Mr. Zoschak stated they would like more information before they
agree to spend $20,000.
At 8:45 PM Council took a short break
At 9:00 PM Council returned to the Workshop Meeting
MATTERS REQUESTED/REFERRED
BY COUNCIL MEMBERS, MANAGER, ATTORNEY OR CLERK
Needs Assessment
Council discussed the Space Needs
Assessment report, paper document storage and retrieval of documents. Mr. Raths stated that the cost of retrieval
at $2.40 per document is a good price.
Mr. Raths further stated that he feels there is over 1,000 square feet
of space in the basement of the sewer plant that could be refurbished and used
to store documents. Mr. Rilee stated that he would rather have the documents
stored at a Township facility, than offsite.
Mr. Raths stated that the Township Clerk’s proposal is for the
inventory, purging and storage of all documents currently stored at 72 Eyland Avenue.
It was requested that a
representative of the TAB Group, and possibly other vendors, come before
Council at a future meeting to provide more information pertaining to purging
and document retrieval. After discussion, Council agreed to budget $8,000 as
proposed to inventory, purge and store the documents located at 72 Eyland Avenue.
ROMAC Matching Funds
Mr. Raths advised that this is in the budget.
King House Roof Open
Space Match – Previously discussed
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
February 19, 2008, Regular/Budget Meeting
February 26, 2008, Workshop Meeting
March 1, 2008, Budget/Workshop Meeting
Mr. Schmidt made a motion to approve the above Minutes. Mr. Rilee seconded the motion.
Roll Call:
Mr. Schmidt – yes Mr.
Rilee – yes
Mr. Behrens – yes Mrs.
DeFillippo – yes
Mr. Hall – yes Mr.
Zoschak – recuse
Mayor Smith – yes
Motion carried 6 – 0 with one recusal
DRAFT ORDINANCES FOR
DISCUSSION
None
INTRODUCTION OF
PROPOSED ORDINANCES
04-08 AN ORDINANCE
REPEALING SECTION 3-14, RECYCLING PROGRAM,
OF CHAPTER III, POLICE
REGULATIONS AND ESTABLISHING A NEW SECTION
22-7A, RECYCLING PROGRAM, IN CHAPTER XXII, HEALTH REGULATIONS, OF THE REVISED GENERAL ORDINANCES OF THE TOWNSHIP OF ROXBURY
Mr. Blood advised that the County is creating a process for
business notification.
Mr. Rilee made a motion to introduce Ordinance 04-08. Mr. Schmidt seconded the motion.
Roll Call:
Mr. Rilee – yes Mr.
Schmidt – yes
Mr. Behrens – yes Mrs.
DeFillippo – yes
Mr. Hall – yes Mr.
Zoschak – yes
Mayor Smith – yes
Motion carried 7 – 0
05-08 AN ORDINANCE
AMENDING AND SUPPLEMENTING CHAPTER V, ANIMAL
CONTROL, SECTION 5-3, CONTROL OF ANIMALS, SUBSECTION
5-3.13, REMOVAL AND DISPOSAL OF ANIMAL WASTES, OF THE REVISED GENERAL ORDINANCES OF THE TOWNSHIP OF ROXBURY
Mrs. DeFillippo made a motion to introduce Ordinance
05-08. Mr. Rilee seconded the motion.
Roll Call:
Mrs. DeFillippo – yes Mr.
Rilee – yes
Mr. Behrens – yes Mr.
Hall – yes
Mr. Schmidt – yes Mr.
Zoschak – yes
Mayor Smith – yes
Motion carried 7 - 0
HEARING AND ADOPTION
OF ORDINANCES ON SECOND READING
03-08 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND AND SUPPLEMENT CHAPTER
II, ADMINISTRATIVE CODE SECTION
2-17, OFFICERS AND GENERAL EMPLOYEES
GENERALLY, OF THE REVISED GENERAL
ORDINANCE OF JERSEY
Mrs. DeFillippo made a motion to open Ordinance 03-08 to the
public. Mr. Zoschak seconded the motion.
Roll Call:
Mrs. DeFillippo – yes Mr.
Zoschak – yes
Mr. Behrens – yes Mr.
Hall – yes
Mr. Rilee – yes Mr.
Schmidt – yes
Mayor Smith –yes
Motion carried 7 – 0
There was no public comment.
Mr. Zoschak made a motion to close Ordinance 03-08 to the
public. Mr. Schmidt seconded the motion.
Roll Call:
Mr. Zoschak – yes Mr.
Schmidt – yes
Mr. Behrens – yes Mrs.
DeFillippo – yes
Mr. Hall – yes Mr.
Rilee – yes
Mayor Smith – yes
Motion carried 7 – 0
Mr. Zoschak made a motion to adopt Ordinance 03-08. Mr. Hall seconded the motion.
Roll Call:
Mr. Zoschak – yes Mr.
Hall – yes
Mr. Behrens – yes Mrs.
DeFillippo – yes
Mr. Rilee – yes Mr.
Schmidt – yes
Mayor Smith – yes
Motion carried 7 – 0
DRAFT RESOLUTIONS FOR
DISCUSSION
None
INTRODUCTION AND
ADOPTION OF RESOLUTIONS
08-106 A RESOLUTION INCORPORATING BY REFERENCE HEREIN AND APPROVING THE FOLLOWING NUMBERED RESOLUTIONS
LISTED ON THE WORKSHOP COUNCIL
MEETING AGENDA FOR THIS DATE: 08-107, 08-108,
08-109, 08-110, 08-111, 08-112, 08-113, 08-114
Mr. Rilee made a motion to adopt Resolution 08-106. Mr. Schmidt seconded the motion.
Roll Call:
Mr. Rilee – yes Mr.
Schmidt – yes
Mr. Behrens – yes Mrs.
DeFillippo – yes
Mr. Hall – yes Mr.
Zoschak – yes
Mayor Smith – yes (recuse on check no. 47840)
Motion carried 7 – 0 with one recusal on check no. 47840
08-107 A RESOLUTION
AUTHORIZING THE ACCEPTANCE OF A CASH
BOND FROM
MURPHY ROXBURY LLC FOR THE WALGREENS PROJECT LOCATED
ON ROUTE
46 BLOCK 6601, LOT 27-31
08-108 A RESOLUTION
AUTHORIZING THE RELEASE OF A CASH MAINTENANCE
BOND #2000-91 FOR PINSONAULT
ASSOCIATES, LLC POSTED FOR TREE
MAINTENANCE PROPERTY LOCATED ON ROUTE 206, BLOCK
9001, LOT 8
08-109 A RESOLUTION
AUTHORIZING THE AWARD OF A CONTRACT TO
KEY- TECH OF KEYPORT, NJ FOR THE
ASPHALT CORE DRILLING AND TESTING
FOR THE EMMANS ROAD RESURFACING – PHASE III PROJECT
08-110 A RESOLUTION
AUTHORIZING THE RELEASE OF CASH BOND
#04-254 IN CONNECTION WITH A FINAL SITE PLAN
FOR TRENCH DRAIN FOR PINSONAULT ASSOCIATES LOCATED ON RT. 206
BLOCK 9001 LOT 8
08-111 A RESOLUTION
AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF A VACUUM STREET
SWEEPER FROM US MUNICIPAL SUPPLY, INC. FOR THE
TOWNSHIP’S ROAD DEPARTMENT
08-112 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE AWARD OF A CONTRACT FOR PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERING SERVICES TO MASER
CONSULTING P.A. FOR PREPARATION of DRAWINGS
AND CONTRACT SPECIFICATION FOR THE ROXBURY HIGH
SCHOOL FOOTBALL FIELD IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT
08-113 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING SALARIES AND
COMPENSATION FOR EMPLOYEES FOR THE YEAR 2008
08-114 A RESOLUTION
AUTHORIZING THE PAYMENT OF BILLS
COMMUNICATIONS
None
Mayor Smith discussed the
Community Builders Association letter that Council received this week. Council feels it is a weak resolution.
Mr. Kluska, Emmans Road, stated that the needs
assessment does not discuss additional space being provided to social services
at no monetary expense. He stated that
this item should be reviewed with the Senior Clubs, prior to
implementation. He does not want space
taken away from the Seniors. Mr. Raths
advised that nothing would be done until Social Services meets with the Senior
Clubs.
Mayor Smith stepped down for the following discussion.
Mr. Raths advised that the
Township has been approached by a developer regarding a parcel on Howard Boulevard
for an office complex, which is approved by zone. A portion of this parcel is in the Highlands
Protection Zone. The developer is asking
the Township Council to write a letter to support their efforts to get out of
the protection zone. Mr. Rilee stated
that this is the property that he wanted included in the original letter that
was sent to the Highlands Council.
Council agreed that a letter should be sent amending the previous letter
of objection to include this property.
Mayor Smith returned to the dais.
Mr. Rilee discussed the process
of Council members being polled individually by phone on various issues. He feels Council should discuss items as a
unit at a meeting, at which times members may change their minds during the
discussion process. Mr. Raths stated
that other Council members have discussed this with him and they agree with Mr.
Rilee.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
08-115 A 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. Rilee made a motion to adopt Resolution 08-115A for
Executive Session. Mr. Zoschak seconded
the motion.
Roll Call:
Mr. Rilee – yes Mr.
Zoschak – yes
Mr. Behrens – yes Mrs.
DeFillippo – yes
Mr. Hall – yes Mr.
Schmidt – yes
Mayor Smith – yes
Motion carried 7 – 0
ADJOURNMENT
At 10:30 PM Mr. Rilee made a motion to adjourn the Workshop
Meeting. Mr. Zoschak seconded the
motion.
All In Favor – yes
Submitted By:
______________________
BettyLou DeCroce
Township Clerk
MINUTES APPROVED BY
COUNCIL
DATE: April 29, 2008
ROLL CALL: Mr. Rilee – yes Mr. Hall – yes
Mr.
Behrens – yes Mrs. DeFillippo – yes
Mr.
Schmidt – yes Mr. Zoschak – yes
Mayor
Smith -yes