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December 2, 2008

 

A Regular Meeting of the Township Council of the Township of Roxbury was held on December 2, 2008 at 1715 Route 46, Ledgewood, New Jersey at 7:30 PM.

 

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

Members of Cub Scout Troop #163 of Succasunna led the Pledge of Allegiance.

 

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 October 20, 2008; notice was posted on the bulletin board in the main hallway of the Municipal Building on October 20, 2008.

 

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

 

Also Present:  Christopher Raths, Township Manager; Anthony Bucco, Township Attorney; and Janet Rieth, Deputy Township Clerk

 

Absent:  Councilmen Gary Behrens and Martin Schmidt

 

Mayor Smith amended the order of business on the agenda to present a proclamation to Louis Bizzari, Jr. and to discuss the McCain Street Road vacation under “Matters Requested/Referred by Council Members, Manager, Attorney or Clerk”

A.  Proclamation- Louis Bizzari, Jr.

Mayor Smith read the proclamation for Louis Bizzari, Jr. who was chosen as the recipient of the annual award by the Community Service Award Committee of the New Jersey State Exempt Firemen’s Association, Inc.

 

Mr. Louis Bizzari, Jr. thanked the Mayor and Council for honoring him with this proclamation.  He also expressed appreciation to his wife, as well as his fellow firefighters, for all their support.

 

D.  McCain Street Road vacation

Mr. Raths advised the Council that three or four months ago, residents of Ballantine Street had requested that a portion of McCain Street be vacated, which is a paper street.  Correspondence that was received from their attorney was sent to the departments for review.  Mr. Raths stated that there are a few minor problems with this request.  He explained that one of the issues is that a portion of the paper street borders the Wickes Lumber property and they have been storing materials on a portion of the paper street.  The other problem is that once the paper street is vacated it may create a buildable lot if not divided evenly between the two adjoining properties.  Mr. Raths suggested that a deed restriction prohibiting any future subdivision might prevent that from becoming a problem.  Mr. Zoschak stated his concerns about the multiple lots that are owned by Wickes Lumber.  He is concerned about access and potentially land-locking the property.  Mr. Bucco stated that both Wickes Lumber and the owners of Lot 14 should be notified that the Township is considering this.

 

David & Christine Thonie

14 Ballantine Street (Lot 18)

Mr. Thonie stated that he would expand his garden and plant some apple trees if he were to acquire this property.

 

Mayor Smith returned to the order of the agenda.

 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

September 23, 2008 - Workshop meeting

October 7, 2008 - Executive Session

October 7, 2008 - Regular Meeting

October 21, 2008 - Executive Session

October 29, 2008 Neighborhood meeting

November 3, 2008 - Executive Session

 

Mr. Zoschak made a motion to approve the minutes as listed above.  Deputy Mayor DeFillippo seconded the motion.

 

Roll Call:          Mr. Zoschak – Yes

Deputy Mayor DeFillippo – Yes

Mr. Hall – Yes (abstain on September 23, 2008)

                        Mr. Rilee – Yes (abstain on October 29, 2008)

                        Mayor Smith - Yes (abstain on October 29, 2008)

 

Motion carried 5 to 0 with one abstention on September 23, 2008, and two abstentions on October 29, 2008.

 

PUBLIC PORTION

None

 

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

Mr. Zoschak stated that the work on the Landing sea wall started yesterday and should take approximately five weeks to complete.  It is a prefabricated concrete stone structure.

 

Mr. Zoschak would like the Council to adopt a resolution supporting S-2262.  The legislation provides $700,000 of permanent funding for the Lake Hopatcong Commission.

 

Mr. Zoschak advised the Council that the NJDEP has decided to provide funding for the administrator’s position for the Lake Hopatcong Commission.

 

Mr. Zoschak stated that the 319 Grant is moving forward with bid specs expected to be out in two weeks and the final design finished for the aqua filter in Landing.

 

Mr. Rilee commended Mr. Zoschak and the Lake Commission for persevering throughout all the recent challenges that they have been faced with.

 

Mr. Rilee stated that he attended the recent Fire Company #1 dinner and it was an enjoyable evening.

 

Deputy Mayor DeFillippo stated that she received a note from a Port Morris resident expressing appreciation for the installation of a picnic bench and table at Port Morris’ Perfetti Park.  The resident was grateful that this project was completed within days of it being requested at the October Neighborhood meeting.

 

Deputy Mayor DeFillippo requested an update on the M&E Railroad construction and transfer issue.  Mr. Raths stated that this would be discussed in executive session.

 

Mayor Smith stated that the League of Municipalities conference was worthwhile and offered a variety of useful meetings.

 

Mayor Smith suggested that the Township explore other possibilities for the replacement of Tom Grau, the Township’s water consultant.

 

Mr. Bucco stated that the Board of Education attorney advised him that they have agreed to go back to our agreement regarding the construction of the turf field.  Mr. Bucco made some changes and will distribute the agreement to the Council after he receives the revisions that the Board of Education is proposing. 

 

A.  New Business

 

B.  Old Business

1.  Procurement Policy

 

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

A.  Proclamation- Louis Bizzari, Jr.Previously Discussed

B.  VFW Ladies Auxiliary Presentation- Youth Activities Award

Will be on a future agenda

C.  One Day Liquor License Rory O’Moore Pipes and Drums January 17, 2009

 

Mr. Rilee made a motion to approve item C as listed above.  Mr. Zoschak seconded the motion.

 

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

Deputy Mayor DeFillippo – Yes           Mr. Hall – Yes

                        Mayor Smith – Yes

 

Motion carried 5 to 0.

 

D.  McCain Street Road vacation – Previously Discussed

 

DRAFT ORDINANCES FOR DISCUSSION

None

 

INTRODUCTION OF PROPOSED ORDINANCES

16-08               BOND ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE TITLE AND SECTION 1 OF THE BOND ORDINANCE (ORD. NO. 10-08) ENTITLED: "BOND ORDINANCE TO AUTHORIZE THE REFURBISHING OF A FIRE ENGINE AND THE ACQUISITION OF NEW INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY EQUIPMENT AND NEW AUTOMOTIVE VEHICLES, INCLUDING ORIGINAL APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT, IN, BY AND FOR THE TOWNSHIP OF ROXBURY, IN THE COUNTY OF MORRIS, STATE OF NEW JERSEY, TO APPROPRIATE THE SUM OF $617,294 TO PAY THE COST THEREOF, TO MAKE A DOWN PAYMENT, TO AUTHORIZE THE ISSUANCE OF BONDS TO FINANCE SUCH APPROPRIATION AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE ISSUANCE OF BOND ANTICIPATION NOTES IN ANTICIPATION OF THE ISSUANCE OF SUCH BONDS," ADOPTED JULY 8, 2008

Mr. Zoschak stated that he would like to see the breakdown of the final cost of the tanker in writing.  Mr. Raths stated that the bid opening will be December 9, 2008 and he is expecting several competitive bids under $200,000.  The Council will receive details after the bid process is complete.

 

Mr. Rilee made a motion to introduce ordinance 16-08.  Mr. Zoschak seconded the motion.

 

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

Deputy Mayor DeFillippo – Yes           Mr. Hall – Yes

                        Mayor Smith – Yes

 

Motion carried 5 to 0.

 

Mayor Smith stated that he spoke with representatives of the vendor who sold us our sound system about the noise issues we have with the microphones/speakers in the Council chambers.  The reps stated that cell phones receiving data could be the cause of the interruptions.  Cell phones need to be turned off during meetings.

 

HEARING AND ADOPTION OF ORDINANCES ON SECOND READING

None

 

 

DRAFT RESOLUTION FOR DISCUSSION

None

 

INTRODUCTION AND ADOPTION OF RESOLUTIONS

08-492             A RESOLUTION INCORPORATING BY REFERENCE HEREIN AND APPROVING THE FOLLOWING NUMBERED RESOLUTIONS LISTED ON THE WORKSHOP COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA FOR THIS DATE:  08-493, 08-494, 08-495,

08-496, 08-497, 08-498, 08-499, 08-500, 08-501, 08-502, 08-503,

08-504, 08-505, 08-506, 08-507, 08-508, 08-509, 08-510, 08-511,

08-512, 08-514, 08-515, 08-516, 08-517

 

Mr. Rilee made a motion to adopt resolution 08-492.  Mr. Hall seconded the motion.

 

Roll Call:          Mr. Rilee – Yes                                    Mr. Hall – Yes

Deputy Mayor DeFillippo – Yes           Mr. Zoschak – Yes

                        Mayor Smith – Yes, with a recusal on 08-507

 

Motion carried 5 to 0 with one recusal on 08-507.

 

08-493             A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE RELEASE OF A PERFORMANCE GUARANTEE POSTED FOR RIGHT-OF-WAY EXCAVATION PERMIT NO. NOV2602 545 ROGERS DRIVE – LANDING BLOCK 11805, LOT 30

 

08-494             A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE RELEASE OF A PERFORMANCE GUARANTEE POSTED FOR RIGHT-OF-WAY EXCAVATION PERMIT NO. RO-09-08-125, 15 ANN ST, SUCCASUNNA BLOCK 1603, LOT 9

 

08-495             A RESOLUTION APPROVING CHANGE ORDER NO. 1 TO THE CONTRACT WITH HAHR CONSTRUCTION, INC. FOR THE STABILIZATION OF THE MORRIS CANAL INCLINED PLANE 2 EAST PROJECT – LEDGEWOOD BLOCK 8501, LOT 5

Mayor Smith stated that we should have more than one quote for these types of projects.   Mr. Raths will advise the Engineering Department that, in the future, we still need three prices.  Mr. Raths also stated that the money for the fence is coming from the funds received from the grant.

 

08-496             A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE RELEASE OF A PERFORMANCE GUARANTEE TO KEVIN MCARDLE 14 GORDON ROAD, WHARTON BLOCK 12901, LOT 58

 

08-497             A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE RELEASE OF A PERFORMANCE GUARANTEE POSTED FOR RIGHT-OF-WAY EXCAVATION PERMIT NO. RO-10-08-136, 14 EARHART DRIVE, SUCCASUNNA BLOCK 201, LOT 17

 

08-498             A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE REFUND OF UNUSED ENGINEERING INSPECTION ESCROW FEES TO JOANN STORMO IN CONNECTION WITH SOIL MOVING PERMIT NO. MINSOIL09-08-030 BLOCK 8301, LOT 4

 

08-499             A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE REFUND OF UNUSED ENGINEERING INSPECTION ESCROW FEES TO GEORGE MARKOU IN CONNECTION WITH SOIL MOVING PERMIT NO. MINSOIL09-08-031 BLOCK 11404, LOT 9

 

08-500             A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE RELEASE OF A PERFORMANCE GUARANTEE POSTED FOR RIGHT-OF-WAY EXCAVATION PERMIT NO. RO-10-08-143, 12 BASS DRIVE, SUCCASUNNA BLOCK 1602, LOT 6

 

08-501             A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE RELEASE OF A PERFORMANCE GUARANTEE POSTED FOR RIGHT-OF-WAY EXCAVATION PERMIT NO. RO-10-08-148, 219 EYLAND AVENUE, SUCCASUNNA BLOCK 2907, LOT 19

 

08-502             A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE RELEASE OF A PERFORMANCE GUARANTEE POSTED FOR RIGHT-OF-WAY EXCAVATION PERMIT NO. RO-09-08-129, 10 HENRY STREET – SUCCASUNNA BLOCK 3001, LOT 4

 

08-503             A RESOLUTION AMENDING THE MEMBERSHIP OF THE TOWNSHIP FIRE DEPARTMENT

 

08-504             A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF THREE SMALL UTILITY VEHICLES FROM WARNOCK FLEET

 

08-505             A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE AWARD OF A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONTRACT WITHOUT COMPETITIVE BIDDING TO JOSHUA D. MACKOFF, STATE CERTIFIED REAL ESTATE APPRAISER FOR PROFESSIONAL APPRAISAL SERVICES OF BLOCK 1802-LOT 1.02, 7 RIGHTER RD, SUCCASUNNA, NJ

 

08-506             A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AN INTERLOCAL SERVICES

AGREEMENT WITH THE COUNTY OF MORRIS FOR USE OF THE COUNTY’S MOBILE DATA TERMINAL SYSTEM FOR THE CALENDAR YEAR 2009

Mr. Hall asked if participating in this would require any additional costs in the future (for special data carrying devices, etc excreta) in order to communicate with the County.  Mr. Raths stated that this is an annual agreement for the mobile data services and it already includes our access to the radio system.  Mr. Raths stated that there are not any additional costs associated with it.  Deputy Mayor DeFillippo asked if the Terminal Agency Coordinator position is a new position.  Mr. Raths stated that it is an assignment within the police department and does not include extra pay.

 

08-507             A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF A LICENSE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE TOWNSHIP OF ROXBURY AND THE ROXBURY ARTS ALLIANCE, INC. FOR THE CONSTRUCTION AND USE OF A PERFORMING ARTS CENTER AT 72 EYLAND AVENUE IN THE TOWNSHIP OF ROXBURY

 

08-508             A RESOLUTION OF THE TOWNSHIP OF ROXBURY, COUNTY OF MORRIS, STATE OF NEW JERSEY, AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF THE REVISED ESCROW AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE COUNCIL ON AFFORDABLE HOUSING (COAH), THE TOWNSHIP OF ROXBURY AND BANK OF AMERICA

 

08-509             A RESOLUTION OF THE TOWNSHIP OF ROXBURY, COUNTY OF MORRIS, STATE OF NEW JERSEY, ENDORSING THE HOUSING ELEMENT AND FAIR SHARE PLAN AS ADOPTED BY THE ROXBURY TOWNSHIP PLANNING BOARD AND PETITIONING THE NEW JERSEY COUNCIL ON AFFORDABLE HOUSING FOR SUBSTANTIVE CERTIFICATION

Mr. Raths stated that, although the spending plan was recently revised, there might be additional revisions forthcoming.  The Council thanked everyone for the extraordinary efforts put forth in getting the Fair Share Plan completed by the deadline.

 

08-510             A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE RELEASE OF A CASH BOND POSTED FOR A SOIL MOVING PERMIT BY ETEL REALTY LOCATED ON ROUTE 10/MARY LOUISE AVE.BLOCK 6303, LOTS 6 & 7

 

08-511             A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE RELEASE OF A MAINTENANCE BOND POSTED BY KENBAR PROPERTIES LOCATED ON ORBEN DRIVE BLOCK 8602 LOT 2,3,4,5,14 & 15

 

08-512             A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE 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

 

08-514             A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE AWARD OF A CONTRACT TO REIVAX CONTRACTING CORPORATION FOR THE INLET RECONSTRUCTION PROJECT

 

05-515             A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE AWARD OF A CONTRACT TO IGNOZZA ELECTRIC FOR THE INSTALLATION OF A NEW ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FOR THE OUTSIDE LAWN LIGHTING IN FRONT OF THE MUNICIPAL BUILDING, 1715 ROUTE 46 LEDGEWOOD

 

08-516             A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE REFUND OF TAXES

 

08-517                          A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PAYMENT OF BILLS

 

INTRODUCTION AND ADOPTION OF RESOLUTIONS (continued)

08-513             HELD FOR NEXT MEETING-RESOLUTION OF THE TOWNSHIP COUNCIL OF THE TOWNSHIP OF ROXBURY, COUNTY OF MORRIS, NEW JERSEY TO ESTABLISH A SCHEDULE OF REGULAR MEETINGS OF THE TOWNSHIP COUNCIL DURING THE CALENDAR YEAR 2009

It was decided to keep the March 17, 2009 meeting on the resolution and to add a meeting on November 24, 2009.  All meetings, with the exception of Neighborhood Meetings, will be categorized as “Regular Meetings” (the budget meeting will be called a “Regular/Budget Meeting”).  Neighborhood Meeting locations are to be noted on the resolution.

 

Mayor Smith stepped down for the following discussion

 

08-519             A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF A NAMING RIGHTS AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE TOWNSHIP OF ROXBURY, THE ROXBURY ARTS ALLIANCE, INC. AND INVESTORS SAVINGS BANK FOR THE NAMING RIGHTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE THEATER PORTION OF THE PERFORMING ARTS CENER LOCATED IN A PORTION OF THE TOWNSHIP'S FACILITY AT 72 EYLAND AVENUE, SUCCASUNNA, NEW JERSEY

Mr. Rilee made a motion to adopt resolution 08-519.  Mr. Hall seconded the motion.

 

Roll Call:          Mr. Rilee – Yes                                    Mr. Hall – Yes

Deputy Mayor DeFillippo – Yes           Mr. Zoschak – Yes

                        Mayor Smith – Recusal

 

Motion carried 4 to 0 with one recusal.

 

PERSONNEL CHANGES

Memo dated November 21, 2008

 

 

 

COMMUNICATIONS

November 7, 2008

#2  Correspondence from Christopher Raths, Township Manager, to Carl F. Wronko, JMC, Roxbury Municipal Court Judge, dated November 6, 2008, re:  Amnesty Program

Mr. Raths stated that the total amount of unpaid fines, costs and fees owed to the Court have accumulated over the past twenty years.  If any money is collected due to the Amnesty Program, all of it will go to the Township.

 

#5  Correspondence from resident Frances D’Auria, to Christopher Raths, Township Manager, dated October 30, 2008, re:  letter of gratitude for hosting the Ward #1 Neighborhood Meeting of October 29, 2008

Mr. Zoschak stated that he is pleased to see such a positive response as a result of one of our Neighborhood Meetings.

 

#13 Correspondence from NJDEP, Division of Water Quality, to New Jersey Water Supply Authority, dated October 30, 2008, re:  New Jersey Environmental Infrastructure Financing Program; EIFP Project Signs

Mr. Rilee asked if the Township is required to provide these signs.  Mr. Raths stated that they are small signs, but Roxbury does need to supply them.  Mr. Raths stated that the signs will reflect Roxbury Township’s name.

 

November 14, 2008

#4  Correspondence from residents Cliff and Debbie Ryder, to Mayor and Council, dated October 15, 2008, re:  letter of appreciation to the Building Department

The Council discussed the positive comments that they have received regarding the Building Department staff.

 

November 21, 2008

#8  Correspondence from Anthony Bucco, Township Attorney, to Mayor and Council, dated November 14, 2008, re:  Regulation of Clothing Bins

Mr. Rilee and Council members were in support of this.  Mr. Raths will have Mr. Bucco prepare an ordinance.

 

November 26, 2009

#2  Notice, re:  Shippenport Road closure beginning December 1, 2008

Mr. Raths stated that he has not received any complaints regarding this road closure.

 

#3  Correspondence from Christopher Raths, Township Manager, to Ms. Karen Marlowe, Board of Public Utilities, dated November 24, 2008, re:  request for written response regarding regulations/restrictions for negotiating cable services

Mr. Hall stated that the Cable Committee has had several discussions pertaining to both Verizon and Cablevision having the same requirements for the municipal & school buildings that they deliver service to in Roxbury.  This request was a result of trying to get some clarification from the BPU, so the work does not have to be done twice.  Mr. Raths stated that he has not received a response yet.

 

PUBLIC PORTION

Robert Kluska

274 Emmans Road, Flanders

Mr. Kluska stated that the last agenda on the website is for September 6, 2008.  He would like to be able to review the agenda prior to the meeting and feels that it should be available.  Mr. Raths stated that it should be available on the website as soon as it is ready and will have the situation corrected.

 

Mr. Kluska asked that a copy of the weekly Communications packet, with the attachments, be available for public viewing.  A copy will be placed on the Press Table before each meeting.

 

Mr. Kluska asked about the FTA Section 5310 Transportation Grant.  Mr. Raths stated that Roxbury is applying for a replacement bus for the senior citizens.

 

Mr. Kluska asked about the meeting with the County regarding the M&E Railroad situation.  Mayor Smith stated that we have received correspondence from them and it will be discussed in executive session.

 

Mayor Smith closed the Public Portion of the meeting.

 

EXECUTIVE SESSION

08-518             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

 

At 9:05 PM, Mr. Zoschak made a motion to adopt resolution 08-518 for Executive Session.  Mr. Hall seconded the motion.

 

Roll Call:          Mr. Zoschak – Yes                              Mr. Hall – Yes

Deputy Mayor DeFillippo – Yes           Mr. Rilee – Yes

                        Mayor Smith – Yes

 

Motion carried 5 to 0.

 

At 9:20 PM Council returned to the Regular Meeting.

 

ADJOURNMENT

At 9:20 PM Mr. Rilee made a motion to adjourn the Regular Meeting.  Mr. Zoschak seconded the motion.

 

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

Deputy Mayor DeFillippo – Yes           Mr. Hall – Yes

                        Mayor Smith – Yes

 

Motion carried 5 to 0.

 

Submitted By:

 

________________________________

BettyLou DeCroce

Township Clerk

MINUTES APPROVED BY COUNCIL

DATE:                        January 13, 2009         

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

                                    Mr. Behrens – yes        Mr. Hall – yes

                                    Mr. Rilee – yes Mr. Zoschak – yes

                                    Mayor DeFillippo - yes