March 1, 2005
A Budget/Workshop Meeting was held by the Township Council
of the Township of Roxbury on March 1, 2005 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, 2005;
notice was posted on the bulletin board in the main hallway of the Municipal
Building on January 5, 2005.
ROLL CALL: (Present)
Councilwoman Sandy Urgo, Councilmen John Ciaramella, Fred Hall, Jim Rilee, Tim
Smith and Mayor Richard Zoschak
ALSO PRESENT:
Christopher Raths, Township Manager & BettyLou DeCroce, Township Clerk
Councilman Martin Schmidt was absent due to illness.
REPORTS OF COUNCIL LIAISON
REPRESENTATIVES, COUNCIL COMMITTEES AND NEW BUSINESS/OLD BUSINESS
Mayor Zoschak asked Council if
there were any new business/old business/committees to discuss.
Councilwoman Urgo stated that the Trails Committee meeting
is tentatively set for March 19, 2005 and a second meeting on March 26, 2005. Ms. Urgo also stated that there would be a public meeting with a map
for residents to attend and give any input before the first draft is provided
to Council for review. Ms. Urgo stated that a legal notice would need to
be advertised so that more than three Council members would be able to
attend. Ms. DeCroce, Township Clerk asked that the information be given in
enough time so the newspaper publishes the notice in the proper time required
by law.
Mayor Zoschak stated since the
Trails Committee will be meeting he has been contacted by Mrs. DiCocco in which
she discussed with him their concerns with the easement problem on their
property. Ms. Urgo stated that the Trails Committee would not be doing
anything to bring more notice to the property. Ms. Urgo stated that as
far as she is concerned the last decision of the Council remains the
same. The Council previously agreed to allow the DiCocco’s to keep the
trees in place, but they would have to maintain it by trimming the trees so as
access could take place if someone wanted to walk through to the open space
area, in the rear of her property. Ms. Urgo stated that it was never
intended to put up signage etc. on the property. Further Ms. Urgo stated
that the minutes as approved accurately depicted the Council’s position at that
time.
Councilman Ciaramella advised
Council that a meeting of the DPW Committee will be taking place this Thursday, March 3, 2005 at 4:00 pm at Town Hall. Mr. Ciaramella further stated that
the Economic Development Committee will discuss with the Clerk’s office the
vacant position for that committee.
Councilman Smith stated that
there is a position vacant on the Economic Development Committee and if anyone
has someone in mind please e-mail their resume or phone number so they could be
reached to discuss their desire of serving on the board.
Councilman Fred Hall stated that
Judy Waldron resigned from the Recreation Committee due to personal
commitments, so the position needs to be filled. A letter had been sent
out pertaining to a candidate for the position. Mr. Hall recommended
Sherry Sikora.
Mr. Hall mad a motion to appoint
Sherry Sikora as a member of the Recreation Committee. The position will
be the 2nd alternate and the current appointee will be moved up to 1st
alternate and the first alternate will take Judy Waldron’s
position. Ms. Urgo seconded the motion.
Ms. DeCroce, Township Clerk
advised Council that the written resignation has been received and a letter
already has been sent to Ms. Waldron thanking her for the many years of service
she has given to the Township.
Roll
Call:
Mr. Hall – Yes
Ms. Urgo – Yes
Mr. Ciaramella - Yes Mr. Rilee – Yes
Mr. Smith – Yes Mayor Zoschak
– Yes
Motion Carried 6 to 0
Mayor Zoschak thanked Officer
Randy Brands, Officer Glen Gordon and Officer Brian Feeney for the great job
they did on the Neighborhood Watch. Mayor Zoschak stated that they were
in River Park Village establishing the watch and many of the residents were
present for this meeting. It was suggested that possibly a basketball
court could be built in River Park Village. Mr. Zoschak felt that this
would be a positive step regarding both of the issues he just stated and would
like the Township to watch for any grants that could help accomplish this.
Mr. Raths, Township Manager
stated that he met with Michael Armstrong, from the Community Hope Program,
which he discussed the health needs and rehabilitation of adults who are ready
to live in a structured housing. Mr. Raths stated that the individuals would
have weekly supervision. Further, Mr. Raths stated that this is a lengthy
process for an individual to acclimate themselves to this point back into
society. Mr. Raths further assured the Council that there would be no
Megan’s Law violators in this program.
Mr. Raths stated that he has had
a discussion with the County Administrator, John Bonanni pertaining to shared
maintenance on the Nutrition Center they lease. Mr. Raths stated that Mr.
Bonanni advised him that the County is not interested in sharing the
maintenance. Further, Mr. Bonanni stated that they are looking for
another facility and he is not sure they will be keeping the Berkshire Valley
facility once the lease has been completed. Councilmembers stated that
they will reach out to Freeholders to try and work something out with them.
Mr. Raths advised Council that he
met with the Library Trustees and informed Council that Mrs. Jeanne Hall has
been appointed to the Main Street Revitalization Committee. Mr. Raths
further stated that information pertaining to this committee will be on the
next agenda.
Discussion: Capital & Operating Budget
Mr. Raths discussed the
capital budget and also discussed the possibility of appropriating the 1.5
million. Mr. Raths stated that we should really discuss this tonight and
decide if the fire truck needs to be in this year’s capital budget. Mr.
Smith questioned if it is possible to agree to it now and not have the cost
until 2006. Mr. Raths stated that it could be done that way because it
takes a process period to prepare the RFP and go out to bid and have delivery
of the equipment.
Discussion ensued pertaining to
the Engineering Department – Conkling Road Drainage project was questioned as
to the cost of $200,000. Mr. Raths stated he included a quarter mile of
replacement.
Ms. Urgo felt that we could cut
some funds from the Engineering Department. The budget is approximately
$800,000, out the line item revenue for roads and funding $400,000 in the
capital budget.
Mr. Raths questioned Ms. Urgo
where a reduction of $200,000 from the budget should be taken. Ms. Urgo
stated that it is up to Engineering to decide where it could be taken without
causing a detriment to the public roadways.
Mr. Rilee expressed his concern
with the roads and the ability to accomplish all the roadways on schedule and
not over budget or not complete during this budget period in which we have
allowed budgeting for. Mr. Rilee also felt that discussion should ensue
pertaining to the purchase of the fire truck and that the Council does need to
take a position on it.
Mr. Raths stated that there
probably is a possibility of changing or deleting some of the items currently
budgeted. Mr. Raths further stated that he did not perceive the purchase
of the fire truck as an immediate problem in which we need to purchase.
Council felt that the Manager should come back to them with a revised capital
budget. Ms. Urgo felt that the capital budget should not be over $1.3
million and as low as $1.1 million. Mr. Raths stated that they could pull
Conkling Road out of the capital and pay it out of the $800,000 program that
has been identified as other sources to bond. That would leave the
capital budget at $1. 4 million. That would be keeping the fire truck in
the budget.
Mr. Raths explained by budgeting
capital on a build out would stabilize the cost that would not exceed the $1.5
million each year. If one year is reduced then it will need to be made in
a year, which would be over the planned $1.5 million.
Mr. Smith felt that while trying
to keep the capital budget down this year may only cost the Township a higher
cost in years to come. Mr. Smith believes that the 10 year replacement
program should always be considered when making a decision to defer from the
projected cost of the capital budget each year. The Township should try
to keep the capital budget stable. Mr. Smith questioned Mr. Raths where
the $1.2 million came from.
Mr. Raths stated that the $1.2
million arrived because of the following reasons; property management program,
receiver for the police for the Berkshire Valley area and shifting the backhoe
over and that arrived us at a $1.208 million.
Mayor Zoschak questioned what
roadways would not be done based on this plan. Mr. Blood stated that it
is done according to priority.
Mayor Zoschak felt the $1.4
million is a reasonable alternative.
Mr. Rilee stated that it would
keep the road projects continued.
John Ciaramella– 1.4 million –
Yes
Fred Hall - 1.4 million –
Yes
Jim Rilee – 1.4 million – Yes
Sandy Urgo – 1.4 million - Yes
Tim Smith - 1.4 million -
Yes
Mayor Zoschak – Yes
Discussion will take place on
Engineering and Public Works at this time.
q
Engineering
q
Public Works
o
Including Roads, Sanitation, Tipping Fees, E & R, Water and
Sewer
ENGINEERING – 20-165
Mayor Zoschak requested where the
salaries for 2005 are in the budget sheets for all the employees.
Mr. Raths stated that it is in salary reserve at an amount of 3.25 – total
amount of $165,000, because some of the union contracts have not been agreed
upon as of this date.
Discussion ensued on the line
items in this department.
26-290 Streets
& Roads - Council discussed the position recommended by the
Manager to fill the Driver 3 position. Mr. Blood explained to Council the
necessity to fill this position. Council questioned the amount of salary
for 6 months for the vacant position. Mr. Raths stated that it was based
on pay periods. Mr. Blood stated the necessity is to increase our
productivity in the department. Ms. Urgo discussed federal programs that
would allow asphalt, street sweeping, basins debris be allowed to fill in mine
holes. Mr. Blood will look into the possibility. Council felt that
the hiring for the vacant position be looked at prior to the end of the budget.
Mayor Zoschak
amended the order of business to the Public Portion
There was no public
input.
Mayor Zoschak closed the
public portion.
Mayor Zoschak stated that the
Council would take a 15-minute break at 9:05.
Council returned to the dais at
9:20
26-291 Snow
& Ice - last year the cost was at $221,456.45 and increased this year
to $274,670.00.
PUBLIC WORKS:
26-300
26-300 Public
Works - 290 previously in E & R
26-307
Sanitation/Recycling – Discussion ensued over compost and dumping it
at the County site. There was discussion on compost being dumped in the
garbage truck. Mr. Raths stated that he has heard this previously and
advised Mr. Blood to look into the matter. Mayor Zoschak felt that we
should try and promote mulching of grass cuttings.
Mr. Ciaramella questioned the
transportation expense for the year. Mr. Blood will provide the
information. (Line item 270)
Mr. Raths asked to hold
discussion on 26-315 Equipment & Repair as he is working with Mr. Blood on
possible outsourcing for repairs on some of the equipment.
32-465
Tipping Fees – Mr. Raths stated that they felt that the cost would
remain about the same since there are no large developments that will be
built this year.
Discussion took place with regard
to traffic control for construction projects. Currently the Township pays
for a police officer to be present when a Township roadway is being paved or
drainage work is being done. Mr. Blood, Assistant DPW Director,
also stated that if the State or County has projects, they have to pay the cost
as approved by Council. Further, discussion ensued pertaining to a police
vehicle and the necessity of tying up a car up for that type of service.
Mr. Raths and Mr. Blood will look into other possibilities of alternate
presence at construction projects on the roadways.
WATER UTILITY
FUND
It is not anticipated that there
will be any increase in revenue at this time. It does reflect a $4,000
reduction. Savings will take place with the lock box system that is being
implemented.
SEWER UTILITY
FUND
Mayor Zoschak questioned the
grinder pumps in Landing. Council agreed that an ordinance needs to be
approved to stipulate that if a pump fails, the Township will replace it.
Once the pump is installed the homeowner would then have to provide any further
repairs or replacement.
206 Sludge Hauling -
This item will go out to bid. Currently Russell Reid is supplying the
service. Mr. Blood will check on why the line item is less this year
compared to last year. Mr. Blood felt that the amount should be increased
by $10,000. Mr. Blood will define this cost.
Mr. Smith questioned line items
242, Pump Station and 245, Equipment Repairs and the reason for the
increase. Mr. Blood stated that there were pump replacements and two
additional pump stations coming on line this year. (Poets Peak & Forest
Hollow) Mr. Blood stated that the funding would be for repairs on the
pumps.
Ms. Urgo questioned line
item 245 in sewer (Equipment Repairs) and the cost associated. Mr. Raths
will define the cost and get back to council.
Mr. Raths will be providing a
report on I & I to Council.
Next week agenda is Police, Fire,
Parks & Recreation, Building & Grounds.
PUBLIC PORTION
Previously opened to the
public
DRAFT ORDINANCES FOR
DISCUSSION
None
ORDINANCES TO
BE
INTRODUCED
None
HEARING AND
ADOPTION OF ORDINANCES ON SECOND READING
None
DRAFT
RESOLUTIONS FOR DISCUSSION
None
INTRODUCTION
AND ADOPTION OF RESOLUTIONS
None
COMMUNICATIONS
February 25, 2005
#4 Chart of 2003 year End
Report for Roxbury Township Fire Department Prepared by 2003 Department Chief,
Mike Piccito. Council advised the Manager that this report was previously
sent to them and they want the 2004 report copied to Council.
#8 Mayors Fax Advisory from
William G. Dressell, Jr., Executive Director of NJLM dated February 21, 2005
re:S-1990/A-2432, Additional Fines for Overcrowding. Council would like a
resolution for the next agenda. Mrs. DeCroce, Township Clerk stated that her
office will prepare a resolution.
#9 Mayors Fax Advisory from
William G. Dressell, Jr., Executive Director of NJLM dated February 21, 2005
re: Federal Transportation Reauthorization. Council would like a
resolution for the next agenda. Ms. DeCroce, Township Clerk stated that
her office will prepare a resolution.
#10 Correspondence from
Robert F. Church of 256 Eyland Avenue, Succasunna to Mayor & Township
Council dated February 16, 2005. Council would like this correspondence
copied to the Township Attorney for review and advice.
#12 Interoffice Memo from George
Reed, Port Morris Firemen’s Association to Christopher Raths, Township Manager,
Richard Zoschak, Township Mayor & Martin Schmidt, Deputy Mayor dated
February 1, 2005 re: Letter from Roxbury P.B.A. Local 311 to Acquire the
Roxbury Co. NO.2 Firehouse on 580 Main Street, Port Morris – Block 10502, Lot 5
(With Deed Attached). Mr. Raths will have a follow-up meeting.
EXECUTIVE
SESSION
None
ADJOURNMENT
At 10:20 PM Mr. Rilee made a
motion to adjourn the Budget Meeting. Mr. Smith seconded the motion.
Roll Call: All Yes
Motion Approved: 6 to 0
Submitted By:
_______________________
Township Clerk
MINUTES APPROVED
DATE: March 8, 2005
ROLL CALL: Mr. Rilee – yes Mr. Smith – yes
Mr. Ciaramella – yes Mr.
Schmidt – yes
Ms. Urgo – no Mayor
Zoschak - yes