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May 13, 2008

 

A Regular Meeting of the Township Council of the Township of Roxbury was held on May 13, 2008 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 8, 2008; notice was posted on the bulletin board in the main hallway of the Municipal Building on January 8, 2008.

 

ROLL CALL (Present):  Deputy Mayor Kathy DeFillippo, Councilmen Fred Hall, Jim Rilee, Martin Schmidt, Richard Zoschak, and Mayor Tim Smith

 

Also Present:  Christopher Raths, Township Manager, James Bryce, Esq., for Township Attorney Anthony Bucco, and BettyLou DeCroce, Township Clerk

 

Absent:  Councilman Gary Behrens

 

The Mayor advised the public that this evening the township was informed of a finding of bacteria in the water supplied by the Roxbury Water Company.  This information was provided to the township by the Daily Record and not by the Roxbury Water Company.  Mr. Raths stated that he is attempting to obtain further information.

 

APPROVAL OF 2008 BUDGET

 

 

Open to Public

No public input

 

 

08-144             RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE TOWNSHIP OF ROXBURY TO ADOPT THE 2008 BUDGET

 

Mr. Zoschak stated that the State of New Jersey is mandating more this year.  Some of these mandates include higher pension contributions (plus interest) in order to catch-up from a previous year’s “Governor’s holiday”.  Also, the DEP, COAH, and Highlands Coalition have all instituted mandates that have contributed to the higher tax rates being imposed on the residents.

 

Mr. Rilee stated that the budget process is very involved and detailed.  That the Governing Body scrutinizes the budget, thoroughly, during public meetings.  That although the increase is larger than he would like, due to state mandates, that it is a responsible budget that keeps the recreation programs, road improvements, and other services needed for the quality of life residents expect.  The township has worked towards additional contributions from employees for health care, as well as keeping union contract increases low. 

 

Mr. Schmidt stated that this is his fifth budget year and he is disappointed and blames the State for the loss of revenue. 

 

Mr. Hall stated that this is his ninth budget year and, although a lot of work went into preparing the budget, it has been his most disappointing.  This is the lowest possible, responsible budget based on the un-funded mandates from the State of New Jersey.

 

Ms. DeFillippo stated that the state mandates have had almost a million dollar impact on the budget.  Ms. DeFillippo stated that the council consistently works with the administration to keep costs down.  It is important to keep after the State of New Jersey to budget smarter and keep the public in mind at all times for a better quality of life in our township.

 

Mr. Hall stated that the Township has actually reduced the work force over the past 7 or 8 years by approximately 9.5 positions even though the growth rate has grown considerably in that time.

 

Mayor Smith stated that Councilman Behrens would have been voting against the budget had he been in attendance tonight.

 

Mr. Hall made a motion to adopt resolution 08-144.  Mr. Schmidt seconded the motion.

 

Roll Call:          Mr. Hall - Yes                          Mr. Schmidt - Yes

                        Ms. DeFillippo - Yes                Mr. Rilee – Yes

                        Mr. Zoschak – Yes                  Mayor Smith – No

 

Motion Carried 5 to 1

 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

April 29, 2008 Executive session

 

Mr. Schmidt made a motion to approve the minutes as listed above.  Ms. DeFillippo seconded the motion.

 

Roll Call:          Mr. Schmidt - Yes                    Ms. DeFillippo - Yes

                        Mr. Hall – Yes                         Mr. Rilee – Yes

                        Mr. Zoschak – Yes                  Mayor Smith - Yes

 

Motion Carried 6 to 0

 

 

PUBLIC PORTION

 

Mr. Jim La Manna

265 Kings Highway

Landing, NJ

 

Mr. La Manna discussed the drainage problem on Kings Highway.  Mr. La Manna stated that all he has received from the township is a letter with regard to the water issue with no resolve.  Mr. La Manna read a letter dated May 13, 2008 and also a petition signed by his neighbors on Kings Highway.

 

Mr. Kobylarz, Township Engineer addressed the Council with the current conditions of the drainage problems.  Mr. Kobylarz stated that he met with NJ Transit to discuss draining the area onto the NJ Transit property, which included a 12” pipe discharging from across the street.  Ongoing discussions have been taking place and the finalization of documentation and permits are in the process.  The overall goal is the best solution with the least cost.

 

Mr. Zoschak questioned if there is a quicker way to address this problem rather than to take a political path with NJ Transit.  Mr. Kobylarz stated that there is a possibility of draining onto township owned property, which would alleviate the costs with NJ Transit.  Mr. Kobylarz stated that a shallower system would need to be installed in order to accomplish the proper drainage.  Residents have questioned the installation of sanitary sewers.

 

Mr. Kobylarz further stated the cost of installing sewers would be the obligation of the homeowners.  Mr. Schmidt questioned where the water is coming from and Mr. Kobylarz stated that it is ground water.

 

Councilmember’s commented on the current conditions and agreed that the issue needs to be addressed.

 

Mr. Zoschak asked when the project could start.  Mr. Raths stated that the project should be accomplished before the first frost.  Mayor Smith questioned the cost of this.  Mr. Raths felt that there was enough money in the capital budget.  Mr. Kobylarz stated that it could cost approximately $150,000.  Mr. Raths stated that there might be a shortfall for this cost if it does equate to $125,000 - $150,000.  Mr. Blood, Assistant DPW Director, was present and stated that some of the left over funds from other projects could help with the shortfall.

 

Mayor Smith allowed Craig McLennan from 263 Kings Highway, Landing to speak.  Mr. McLennan stated that his basement floods on a regular basis.  He also felt that the piping did not need an 8’ dip.  He stated that 5’ to 6’ should be enough to pull out the sump pumps.  Mr. Kobylarz is concerned that if it is not deep enough there may be a backflow into the basements. 

 

Mayor Smith stated that the township would try to move forward to help resolve this cost and see how quickly we can work on a resolution of the problem.  Mr. Raths asked Mr. Kobylarz whether he feels he can get back to Council within one month with an evaluation of alternatives.  Mayor Smith advised the public that in one month they would have an update.  Mr. Raths will advise the public on Kings Highway when this will be discussed.

 

Charles Bautz, 261 Kings Highway owns two parcels of land on Kings Highway.  Mr. Bautz would like a long-term solution addressed upon the evaluation of the drainage problem on Kings Highway.

 

Close Public Portion

 

 

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

 

Mayor Smith amended the order of business to have the Historic Certificates presented to the public present.

 

F.  2008 HAC Preservation Certificate Selections

 

Mr. Crammond member of the Roxbury Township Historic Advisory Committee was present to handout the certificates to property owners.

 

The certificates were awarded to the following properties:  They are all churches and were organized prior to 1900.

 

Lower Berkshire Valley Methodist Church

294 Berkshire Valley Road

Wharton, NJ

Presented to Gary Zeek on behalf of the church

 

Succasunna United Methodist Church

91 Main Street

Succasunna, NJ

Presented to Larry Hoover on behalf of the church.

 

First Presbyterian Church

99 Main Street

Succasunna, NJ

 

Presented to Barbara Smith on behalf of the church

 

Ledgewood Baptist Church

233 Main Street

Ledgewood, NJ

 

Mr. Crammond will make sure the certificate is given to the church.

 

Port Morris United Methodist Church

296 Center Street

Port Morris, NJ

 

Presented to Mr. & Mrs. White on behalf of the church.

 

E.  Proclamation: “Buddy Poppies” VFW Post 2833 in Kenvil:  Mayor Smith read the Proclamation to the public.

 

G.  Lower Berkshire Valley United Methodist Church Fee Waiver

Reference was made to the Council memo and Mayor Smith advised that he had not made any verbal commitment to the waiver of the fee, as reflected in the memo.

 

Mr. Rilee made a motion to approve item G. “Lower Berkshire Valley United Methodist Church Fee Waiver”.  Mr. Schmidt seconded the motion.

 

Roll Call:          Mr. Rilee - Yes                        Mr. Schmidt - Yes

                        Ms. DeFillippo - Yes                Mr. Hall - Yes

                        Mr. Zoschak - Yes                   Mayor Smith - Yes

 

Motion Carried 6 to 0

 

A.  One Day Liquor License for Roxbury Fire Co. Ladies Auxiliary

B.  One Day Liquor License for North Jersey Legends Hog Chapter

C.  7th annual Children’s fair Road Closure

D.  Block Party W. Maple Ave, Succasunna

 

Mr. Rilee made a motion to approve items A, B, C, & D as above.  Mr. Zoschak seconded the motion.

 

Roll Call:          Mr. Rilee - Yes                        Mr. Zoschak - Yes

                        Ms. DeFillippo - Yes                Mr. Hall - Yes

                        Mr. Schmidt - Yes                    Mayor Smith - Yes

 

Motion Carried 6 to 0

 

 

Mayor Smith asked Mr. Raths about the current status on the water problem with Roxbury Water Company.  Mr. Raths made phone calls and is awaiting information.  Mr. Raths stated that he had made phone calls to both Frank Grisi, who has not received any information, and to Dispatch/Police Dept., who has not received any notification, either.  Mr. Raths stated that the affected area(s) are unknown at this time.  Additionally, Mr. Raths stated that he had three phone calls in to Mr. Hoskings: one to his cell and one to each of the two phone numbers listed in the phone book, and has had no response from him as of yet.  Council requested that a call be made to the DEP Hotline in an effort to obtain additional information.  Mr. Raths stated that he would leave the meeting and ask Frank Grisi to call the DEP Hotline.

 

 

Mayor Smith sated that the Council would take a ten-minute break.

 

 

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

 

New Business:

 

Old Business:

A.     Procurement Policy

No discussion

B.     Records Management

(Discussed later in meeting)

           

Mr. Hall stated that there was a meeting yesterday and is hoping to see movement on the trail for the Black River.

 

Mr. Hall stated that he met the new school Superintendent Dr. Michael Rossi, Jr. Council would like to have him attend a meeting and meet him.

 

Mr. Hall further stated the appointments to the Board were made at the Board of Education meeting.

 

Mr. Hall stated that he had attended a number of groundbreakings and that the Mayor does a great job representing the township.

 

Mr. Schmidt stated that Mr. Schultz is resigning from the Planning Board.  Council discussed the possible appointment of Linda Lutz to fill the Planning Board vacancy upon Mr. Schultz’s resignation.  The appointment will be placed on the next agenda for discussion.

 

Mr. Schmidt stated that last week there was discussion on the Tree Fund.  At Horseshoe Lake there are some problems with the trees.  Mr. Schmidt and Mr. Stierli met with Tree King and Al Wartman with regard to trimming and feeding.  There are several diseased trees that need to be removed.  Mr. Schmidt stated that the cost would be approximately $8,500 and he would like to have the funds taken out of the Tree Fund and done as soon as possible.  Mr. Wartman and Tree King have agreed to do the work at a cost of $8,500.

 

Council would like to have a detailed outline of what is taking place and a prioritized list.

 

Mr. Raths will follow up with confirmation of the funds and what it will be utilized for.

 

Council agreed to replacing six dead trees and using $1,800 from the Tree Fund.  The rest of the project will be put on hold until a formal proposal is brought before Council.

 

 

Ms. DeFillippo made a motion to approve the use of $1,800 from the Tree Fund for six replacement Cherry trees.  Mr. Hall seconded the motion.

 

Roll Call:          Ms. DeFillippo - Yes                Mr. Hall - Yes

                        Mr. Rilee - Yes                        Mr. Schmidt - No

                        Mr. Zoschak - Yes                   Mayor Smith – Yes

 

Motion Carried 5 to 1

 

 

Mr. Zoschak stated that truck washing on Center Street is still a problem.  Mr. Zoschak took pictures of people power washing vehicles and sent them to Mr. Raths.

 

Mr. Zoschak questioned McNear Field and Mr. Raths stated that we are waiting for certified appraisals from the state on the parcel.

 

Mr. Zoschak stated that the drainage on Wills & Logan in Landing is still clogging up.  Mr. Blood stated that the outlets were cleaned where they flow into the wooded area.

 

Mr. Zoschak stated that the Lake Commission discussed fees and he will pass it on.

 

Mr. Zoschak questioned if the phones and computers in the Welfare Department are working.  Mr. Raths stated that they are working on this.  The shelving in the Welfare Department needs to be replaced and Rotary agreed to do the work to build wood shelves.

 

Mr. Zoschak stated that he covered the fire dept meeting for Mr. Rilee and reported that there has been a rash of suspicious fires over the past few weeks.

 

Mr. Rilee asked about the County Compost Facility.  Mr. Blood stated that they have exceeded the leaves level and are not accepting any more.  Currently we are taking our leaves to Grinnell in Sparta.

 

Ms. DeFillippo stated that the Economic Development Committee had a joint meeting with NJ Natural Gas yesterday.  Energy efficient suggestions were discussed.

 

Ms. DeFillippo stated that the Budget Summit in Trenton will be held on May 20, 2008. Mr. Zoschak and Ms. DeFillippo will be attending.

 

There will be the Hercules Tour Wednesday May 21, 2008 at 1:30 PM.  Anyone attending should let Mr. Raths know.

 

Next Neighborhood Meeting will be Thursday May 29, 2008 at 7:00 PM in Berkshire Valley.

 

Ms. DeFillippo asked for an update of the situation in regard to the animals and trash on Kenvil Avenue.  Mr. Raths stated that it is being worked on and that it will be resolved with Animal Control and the Health Department.

 

Ms. DeFillippo asked about the Trail Plan on our website.  It does not show an actual trail.  There needs to be additional information added to the site.  Mr. Raths will follow up.

 

Ms. DeFillippo stated that last week the Prudential Volunteer Day was held at the Roxbury Library and work was completed outside.

 

Ms. DeFillippo stated that there were 600 walkers, 100 volunteers and $100,000 raised for the MS Walk held here in Roxbury Township.

 

Mayor Smith attended a meeting in Peapack discussing the budget and COAH issues with the State. 

 

Mayor Smith asked about the Banisch Rt. #46 Corridor Study.  Mr. Rilee stated that it is being worked on. 

 

Mayor Smith handed out samples of the RoxPac brochure.  They would like to march in the Memorial Day Parade.  Also, they would like to hang a banner on the building where it will be located.  Mayor Smith would like to have Mr. Bucco work on a lease between the Township and RoxPac.

 

 

Ms. DeFillippo made a motion to permit Mr. Bucco to develop a lease for the Roxbury Performing Arts Center.  Mr. Rilee seconded the motion.

 

Roll Call:          Ms. DeFillippo - Yes                Mr. Rilee - Yes

                        Mr. Hall – Yes                         Mr. Schmidt - Yes

                        Mr. Zoschak – Yes                  Mayor Smith – Abstain

 

Motion Carried 5 to 0 with one abstention

 

 

Mayor Smith has donated a paver to the All Veteran’s Memorial in Mount Olive, which is a memorial for NJ Operation Iraqi Freedom casualties, for Marine Corporal Donald Brown from Roxbury.  Mayor Smith read a proclamation and asked for approval from Council.  Council agreed to the proclamation being presented by the Mayor at the Mount Olive ceremony.

 

Mayor Smith had an invitation to attend an event on May 16, 2008 at Franklin School.  Council cannot attend and asked the Clerk to send a response.

 

Mr. Raths stated that he has hired a Chief Financial Officer, Lisa Spring, who has had seven years in municipal government experience.

 

 

DRAFT ORDINANCES FOR DISCUSSION

NONE

 

INTRODUCTION OF PROPOSED ORDINANCES

NONE

 

HEARING AND ADOPTION OF ORDINANCES ON SECOND READING

NONE

 

INTRODUCTION AND ADOPTION OF RESOLUTIONS

08-145             A RESOLUTION INCORPORATING BY REFERENCE HEREIN AND APPROVING THE FOLLOWING NUMBERED RESOLUTIONS LISTED ON THE REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA FOR THIS DATE:  08-146,    08-147, 08-148, 08-149, 08-150, 08-151, 08-152, 08-153, 08-154, 08-155, 08-156, 08-157, 08-158, 08-159, 08-160, 08-161, 08-162, 08-163, 08-164, 08-165, 08-167, 08-168, 08-169, 08-170, 08-171, 08-172, 08-173, 08-174, 08-175, 08-176, 08-177, 08-178

 

 

Mr. Rilee made a motion to adopt resolution 08-145.  Mr. Zoschak seconded the motion.

 

Roll Call:          Mr. Rilee - Yes                                                                      Mr. Zoschack - Yes

                                Ms. DeFillippo - Yes (abstain on check # 48254)            Mr. Hall-Yes (No for 08-151,08-152)

Mr. Schmidt – Yes                                                               Mayor Smith-Yes (No for 08-176)

 

Motion Carried 6 to 0 with one No on 08-151, 08-152 & 08-176 and one abstention from check # 48254

 

 

08-146             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 2008 FOR THE WATER UTILITY

 

Resolution amended to cap at $15,000.00 per year.

 

08-147             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 2008 FOR THE SEWER UTILITY

 

Resolution amended to cap at $15,000.00 per year.

 

08-148             A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE ENDORSEMENT OF A TREATMENT WORKS APPROVAL PERMIT APPLICATION ON BEHALF OF JAI LAXMINARAYAN CORPORATION FOR THE DAYS INN OF LEDGEWOOD, BLOCK 9603, LOT 9

 

Mr. Kobylarz explained that the original application was for “Days

Inn” and the work will continue under that name even though it is now “Quality Inn” 

 

08-149             A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A REDUCTION OF A PERFORMANCE GUARANTEE POSTED FOR RIGHT-OF-WAY EXCAVATION PERMIT NO. AUG0706A, 11 CONSTITUTION AVENUE, SUCCASUNNA BLOCK 701, LOT 44

 

08-150             A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE AWARD OF A CONTRACT TO HAHR CONSTRUCTION, NORTH PLAINFIELD, NEW JERSEY FOR THE STABILIZATION OF THE MORRIS CANAL INCLINED PLANE 2 EAST PROJECT

 

Chris Raths needs to change Certification of Funds to specifically state the amounts that

are coming from the Morris County Historic Grant.

 

08-151             A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A WATER ALLOCATION TO BLUE VISTA CONSULTING FOR THE ROXBURY ROUTE 80 COMMERCIAL PARK LOCATED ON ROUTE 80 AND ROUTE 206, LEDGEWOOD, BLOCK 9202, LOTS 1, 2, 9 AND 10

 

The following will be added to the resolution,“…Whereas, this does not constitute

support for this project that is currently before The Planning Board”

 

08-152             A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE ENDORSEMENT OF A TREATMENT WORKS APPROVAL PERMIT APPLICATION ON BEHALF OF BLUE VISTA CONSULTING FOR THE ROXBURY ROUTE 80 COMMERCIAL PARK LOCATED ON ROUTE 80 AND ROUTE 206, LEDGEWOOD, BLOCK 9202, LOTS 1, 2, 9 AND 10

 

The following will be added to the resolution,“…Whereas, this does not constitute

support for this project that is currently before The Planning Board”

 

08-153             A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE RELEASE OF A PERFORMANCE GUARANTEE POSTED FOR RIGHT-OF-WAY EXCAVATION PERMIT NO. OCT1907 44 RIVENDELL ROAD, SUCCASUNNA, BLOCK 3201, LOT 58

 

08-154             a RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE REIMBURSEMENT OF THE ENGINEERING ESCROW FEE POSTED BY R.J. INVESTORS LLC IN CONNECTION WITH MINOR SOIL PERMIT NO. 032107 REGARDING BLOCK 9707, LOT 15 – ROOSEVELT WAY

 

08-155             A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE RELEASE OF A PERFORMANCE GUARANTEE POSTED FOR RIGHT-OF-WAY EXCAVATION PERMIT NO. RO-03-08-009, 18 WILLIAM STREET, SUCCASUNNA, BLOCK 3004, LOT 8

 

08-156             A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE REFUND OF UNUSED ENGINEERING INSPECTION ESCROW TO LOUIS WEBER IN CONNECTION WITH MINOR SOIL PERMIT NO. 112607, 396 WEST DEWEY AVENUE, WHARTON, BLOCK 7101, LOT 26

 

08-157            A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE REFUND OF UNUSED ENGINEERING INSPECTION ESCROW TO ANTHONY & SYLVAN POOLS CORPORATION IN CONNECTION WITH MINOR SOIL PERMIT NO. 082807, 17 LAZARUS DRIVE, LEDGEWOOD, BLOCK 8402, LOT 30

 

08-158             A RESOLUTION OF SUPPORT FOR THE TRANSOPTIONS TRANSPORTATION DEMAND MANAGEMENT (TDM) MUNICIPAL INITIATIVES GRANT PROGRAM 2008-2009

 

08-159             A RESOLUTION APPROVING CHANGE NO ORDER NO. 3 (FINAL) TO THE CONTRACT WITH SCHENLEY CONSTRUCTION, INC. FOR THE DRAINAGE AND ROAD IMPROVEMENTS TO EYLAND AVENUE PHASE V PROJECT

 

Mr. Zoschak asked if there were any penalties.  Council stated that it was negotiated and offset with change-order and dollar amounts.

 

08-160             A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE AWARD OF AN EMERGENCY CONTRACT TO PUMPING SERVICES, INC. PURSUANT TO N.J.S.A. 40A:11-6 FOR THE PERFORMANCE OF AN EMERGENCY REHABILITATION OF THE MAIN PUMP INFLUENT GATES AND CHANNEL GRINDER, INCLUDING BYPASS PUMPING AT THE AJAX TERRACE WATER POLLUTION CONTROL PLANT

 

08-161             A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE AWARD OF A CONTRACT TO GM FENCE TO INSTALL FENCING IN VETERANS PARK

 

08-162             A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING ACCEPTANCE OF GIFTS FROM SUBURBAN FURNITURE

 

Chris Raths will send letter of appreciation.

 

08-163             A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE ACCEPTANCE OF A CASH BOND FOR FINAL SITE PLAN FOR ROXBURY 2002 LLC. LOCATED ON ROUTE 46, BLOCK 9501, LOT 9

 

08-164             A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE RELEASE OF CASH BOND NO. 2005-169 IN CONNECTION WITH A MAJOR SOIL RELOCATION PERMIT FOR ROXBURY 2002, LLC LOCATED ON ROUTE 46, BLOCK 9501, LOT 9

 

08-165             A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE RELEASE OF CASH BOND NO. 2004-236 IN CONNECTION WITH A MAJOR SOIL RELOCATION PERMIT FOR ARMINIO LANDSCAPING, LOCATED ON SHIPPENPORT RD, BLOCK 1010, LOT 32

 

08-166             A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE RELEASE OF PERFORMANCE BOND No. 2004-159 FOR D.P. ROXBURY LLC POSTED FOR TREE REPLACEMENT AND ACCEPTANCE OF A MAINTENANCE BOND FOR PROPERTY LOCATED ON REGER ROAD, BLOCK 101, LOT 3 -  PULLED

 

08-167             A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING REFUND OF UNUSED ESCROW MONIES 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

 

08-168             A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE ACCEPTANCE OF A DEED FOR ROAD PURPOSES FROM ALICE G. DUFFORD ACROSS LOT 1 IN BLOCK1802 IN THE TOWNSHIP OF ROXBURY

 

08-169             A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AN AGREEMENT FOR EXTRAORDINARY, UNSPECIFIABLE SERVICES WITH THE MORRIS LAND CONSERVANCY

 

08-170             RESOLUTION OF THE TOWNSHIP COUNCIL OF THE TOWNSHIP OF ROXBURY, IN THE COUNTY OF MORRIS, STATE OF NEW JERSEY, AUTHORIZING PROCEEDING WITH THE APPLICATION FOR FUNDS FROM THE MORRIS COUNTY HISTORIC PRESERVATION TRUST FUND FOR RECONSTRUCTION AND REHABILITATION OF THE ROOF AT THE KING STORE AND FOUNDATION REPAIR AT THE HOMESTEAD MUSEUM, 209 MAIN STREET, LEDGEWOOD, NJ 07852

 

08-171             A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE TOWNSHIP TO DESIGNATE A CERTIFIED ANIMAL CRUELTY INVESTIGATOR

 

08-172             A RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING A POLICY FOR THE RELEASE OF EXECUTIVE SESSION MINUTES

 

08-173             A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE FILING WITH THE COUNCIL ON AFFORDABLE HOUSING OF A WAIVER OR AMENDMENT TO THE AFFORDABLE HOUSING SPENDING PLAN OF THE TOWNSHIP OF ROXBURY

 

08-174             A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A REFUND TO COCA-COLA ENTERPRISES FOR THE OVER PAYMENT OF THEIR FOOD AND DRINK VENDING LICENSE FEE

 

08-175             A RESOLUTION AMENDING THE MEMBERSHIP OF THE TOWNSHIP FIRE DEPARTMENT

 

08-176             A RESOLUTION APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF AN AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE TOWNSHIP OF ROXBURY AND THE INTERNATIONAL BROTHERHOOD OF TEAMSTERS, LOCAL NO 11

 

08-177             A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE REFUND OF TAXES

     

08-178             A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PAYMENT OF BILLS

 

 

PERSONNEL CHANGES

 

 

Mayor Smith amended the agenda to open to the public.

 

PUBLIC PORTION

 

Robert Kluska

274 Emmans Road

Succasunna

 

Mr. Kluska brought up for discussion the need for the prioritization of street lighting.  His concerns are with the streetlights in developments that are decorative but do not provide adequate lighting for security.  Mr. Kluska felt that, in the future, we should look at any new applications for lighting and make sure that they are feasible in terms of operating cost and ability to provide enough light for safety purposes.  Mayor Smith stated that a lighting plan has to be part of an application before the Planning Board for lighting and security purposes.

 

Miriam Morris

Emmans Road

Succasunna

 

Ms. Morris stated that the King site will be visited by the County tomorrow and the Historic Committee will be going before the County June 16th.

 

Close Public Portion

 

 

Mr. Raths stated that he had received an update and that there is a current water situation with E-coli contamination with the Roxbury Water Company and not with Roxbury Township Water.  Mr. Hoskings, owner of Roxbury Water Company, will be visiting facilities and residents in the area of Main Street in Succasunna.  Also, they will be meeting with the Superintendent of Schools tomorrow.  It has been suggested that drinking from the water fountains should not take place until it is cleared. Also, water should be boiled.

 

Mr. Rilee felt that Roxbury Water Company did not properly notify the Council and the public of this risk. 

 

Council agreed that a strong response from our attorney should be sent to Roxbury Water Company with regard to the lack of notification to the township.  Mr. Raths stated that information can be posted on the website since the site is voluntarily accessed by an individual as opposed to the town trying to disseminate to individual properties.  Mr. Rilee felt that a Press Release/Public Notice should be prepared tomorrow putting the responsibility on Roxbury Water Company.

 

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

 

Old Business:

A.  Procurement Policy

B.  Records Management

 

Discussion took place with regard to the records currently stored at 72 Eyland Avenue, Community Center.  Ms. DeCroce stated that the TAB Group would inventory, box and assist in the purging of the records at the Eyland Avenue facility.  Mr. Rilee had concern with the continued need to store off premise.  Discussion ensued with regard to future plans and the need to identify space within township facilities.  Council did agree to move forward with the TAB Group and store the files that will be moved out of the 72 Eyland Avenue facility to the TAB Group facility and work towards a permanent site within the township buildings.  Ms. DeCroce did express to Council that there is a possibility that a shared service with the County of Morris for purging and storage may take place which could include funding.  This will be an ongoing effort on behalf of the township to identify, store and scan documents to make them accessible to the township departments and the public.  Council agreed to the funding of this project for the rest of this year and will look at it again for the 2009 budget.

 

COMMUNICATIONS

 

May 2, 2008

# 5  Correspondence from Steven Rogut, Rogut McCarthy, to Christopher Raths, dated April 24, 2008, re:  Secondary Market Disclosure

Mr. Raths explained to Council that it only affected the insurance company bonding.

 

May 9, 2008

# 5  Correspondence from Lucy Voorhoeve, COAH, to Senator Bucco, dated April 17, 2008, re:  Response to Senator’s letter

Fred Hall stated that this is an antiquated formula.

 

# 11 Correspondence from Lake Musconetcong Regional Planning Board, dated April 28, 2008, re:  Lake Musconetcong 319 Grant

Chris Raths will respond.

 

 

Council had extensive conversation in reference to their outrage over the lack of communication from Roxbury Water Company in reference to the water contamination.  Council recommended the issuance of a press release from Mayor & Council, strongly condemning the actions of Roxbury Water Company for failing to inform the administration, Health Department, and Mayor and Council of the Township of Roxbury concerning contamination in water supplied to Roxbury by the Roxbury Water Company.

 

 

Mr. Rilee made a motion to approve a press release as summarized above.  Mr. Schmidt seconded the motion.

 

Roll Call:  All In Favor - Yes

 

Motion Carried 6 - 0

 

 

EXECUTIVE SESSION

No executive session

 

08-179             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 11:10 PM Mr. Rilee made a motion to adjourn.  Mr. Schmidt seconded the motion.

 

Roll Call:  All In Favor - Yes

 

Motion Carried 6 – 0

 

 

Submitted By:

 

 

 

 

_________________________________

BettyLou DeCroce

Township Clerk

MINUTES APPROVED BY COUNCIL

DATE:                        June 11, 2008

ROLL CALL:            Mr. Rilee – yes Mr. Schmidt – yes

                                    Mr. Behrens – yes        Mrs. DeFillippo – yes

                                    Mr. Hall – yes              Mr. Zoschak – yes

                                    Mayor Smith - yes