March 15, 2005                                           

 

A Budget/Workshop Meeting was held by the Township Council of the Township of Roxbury on March 15, 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 Martin Schmidt

 

ALSO PRESENT: Christopher Raths, Township Manager and BettyLou DeCroce, Township Clerk

 

REPORTS OF COUNCIL LIAISON REPRESENTATIVES, COUNCIL COMMITTEES AND

NEW BUSINESS/OLD BUSINESS

 

Deputy Mayor Schmidt presided over the meeting as Mayor Zoschak was at a County meeting and would be arriving approximately 9:00 PM.

 

Councilman Smith stated that he had no new business since last week with the exception that there would be an Open Space Committee Meeting tomorrow and a Water/Sewer Committee meeting on Friday.

 

Councilwoman Urgo stated that the COAH Committee met last week, which included Mr. Ciaramella, Fred Hall, Christopher Raths attended, as well as Mr. Stern, Township Planner.  We met and tried to get a feeling with regard to the new regulations and there are some questions that our staff is trying to obtain and COAH has not responded.  Some of the questions pertain to our inability to receive credits on senior units, which we are going to have to consider as we make decisions in the future.

 

Ms. Urgo stated that the water/sewer meeting is on Friday and Saturday the Trails Committee will be meeting.  The Trails Committee will provide information as to their plans with regard to the public meeting that they will be holding in April.

 

Councilman Rilee stated that the Planning Board is about to finalize the re-examining report and will be reviewing it again this Wednesday. 

 

Also Mr. Rilee stated that we have an individual State Champion from the Roxbury Wrestling Team, Ryan Fikslin,  103-pound weight class and the Council should recognize him at a future meeting.

 

Councilman Hall stated that we should send a letter to Ryan Fikslin from the Mayor.  Mrs. DeCroce, Township Clerk stated that she would have a letter prepared for the Mayor to sign.

 

Councilman Hall brought up for discussion item #12 in the Communication package the request from the Roxbury Little League requesting permission to name the snack stand building at Kiwanis Field the “Jerry Roland Memorial Field House”.  Mr. Hall stated that he is aware that there is a policy pertaining to parks and fields but, was not sure if there was one pertaining to buildings.  Council agreed that there was no policy pertaining to the naming of certain buildings throughout the township.  Also, it was discussed that the building was built with monies contributed to the Little League and they constructed the snack stand without any funds from the township.

 

Ms. Urgo made a motion to approve the naming of the snack stand at Kiwanis Field, “Jerry Roland Memorial Field House”.  Mr. Rilee seconded the motion.

 

Roll Call:          Ms. Urgo – Yes           Mr. Rilee – Yes

                        Mr. Ciaramella – Yes  Mr. Hall – Yes

                        Mr. Schmidt – Yes      Mr. Smith - Yes

 

Motion Carried 6 to 0

 

Councilman Hall also stated that the COAH meeting the other evening was productive.  The good news is that it appears that we do not have an allocation problem so it means that we have already satisfied our third round of obligations.  That is predicated on how much building occurs over the next several years, there are some formulas associated with that.  However, the good news is that we are not going to be in a position like the last round so that is good news.

 

Councilman Hall stated that the Recreation Committee has had a lot of meetings pertaining to the Recreation Master Plan and may need some help with demographics.  He advised Mr. Raths that the committee would appreciate any help he can give.

 

Challenger Soccer last evening was held at Horseshoe Lake and it was very successful.  It will be held Mondays and Wednesdays from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM.

 

Mr. Hall would like to set up a meeting date for the Computer Committee for the 3-year master plan.  Mr. Hall would like the meeting to be held this coming Thursday and he would like to have Rob Kuncken, IT Coordinator to be in attendance. 

 

Councilman Ciaramella stated that Thursday, March 31, 2005, the Economic Development Committee will be meeting.  Mr. Ciaramella asked BettyLou DeCroce, Township Clerk to verify with Mr. Shadiack, Chairman as to the accurate date and time.  Also, all the members need to be notified.

 

Deputy Mayor Schmidt stated that the Environmental Committee was to meet and did not have quorum so they will meet next month.

 

Mr. Schmidt also advised that the Neighbor-helping Neighbor was held this past Saturday and it was very well received.

 

Township Clerk, BettyLou DeCroce advised Council that a meeting of the Memorial Day Parade Committee met today and everything is running smoothly and hopefully it will be as successful as last year.  Ms. DeCroce advised Council that she had received a resignation from Tricia Fragale, resigning from the Rockaway River Watershed Cabinet.  Mrs. DeCroce advised Council that a letter is being sent thanking Ms. Fragale for the time she has spent on the committee.  Also, this will be placed on the next meeting agenda for discussion of a replacement to be appointed.

 

Deputy Mayor Schmidt asked the Manager to present the operating budget.

Discussion:  Operating Budget

 

q       Fire Departments 25-267

 

Chief Hayowyk was present to discuss the budget with council.  Mr. Raths stated that this year the budget was changed as to how the funding would be distributed.  Mr. Raths stated that rather then giving up front payments to the fire company and through the Emergency Services all of those which equaled $25,600 and placed it in their operating budget.  This way everything has to be procured in each department.  The net effect was that there is no increase in this budget.

 

Mr. Rilee questioned if the previous budgets aid money was rolled into the line items.  Mr. Raths stated that was correct.  Also Mr. Rilee questioned line item #103 Equipment account, which has increased quite a bit.  Mr. Rilee questioned the Scott Packs and whether they were already replaced.  Chief Hayowyk stated that all the Scott Packs were replaced with the exception of two that were brand new in the last few years and need to be replaced.

 

Chief Hayowyk questioned the reduction in line item #109 Donation for Building Construction.  Chief Hayowyk stated that it is a significant cut from $18,000 to $6,000.  Mr. Raths stated that the Fire Company had requested line item #110 Building Maintenance and he had denied the request.  Council stated that they felt it was agreed to the amount of $6,000 and reduced for reasons related to litigation that cannot be discussed in public until the township Attorney is consulted.  Chief Hayowyk stated that this needs to be discussed as they feel the fire department is being analyzed like no other department.  Mr. Raths and Council agreed to keep it open at this time.  Ms. Urgo questioned why a budget line item could not be discussed in public.   Council agreed to hold this until they can discuss this with the attorney and if necessary Chief Hayowyk should be invited to an executive session.

 

q       Fire Prevention – 25-265

 

Mr. Raths stated the department had a modest request for an increase. 

Mike Pellek, Fire Prevention Officer discussed with Council the possibility of a program he would like to start, the training of an arson canine dog.  Mr. Pellek stated that he would handle the cost of the dog, training, etc., which would not reflect any cost to the township. Mr. Ciaramella questioned if the County has a dog trained for this purpose.  Mr. Pellek stated that they do.  Mr. Schmidt questioned how this would aid him besides demonstrations at the schools pertaining to arson and the dog would interact to help solve the purpose of a fire.  Mr. Pellek stated that he has been trying to change the educational program over the years for fire safety demonstration.  The type of dog usually is a Labrador Retriever and he would train the dog.

 

Ms Urgo questioned the explanation sheets pertaining to Safety Officer.  Mr. Pellek stated that the breakdown would be lost time from injuries (employees) medical loss, would be an injured employee.  Discussion took place on the free l00 smoke detectors from the State of New Jersey for distribution to low income households in Roxbury Township. Mr. Pellek stated that they have been provided to families in need and there are some units remaining.  Ms. Urgo requested that he check with Gail Gruen, Welfare Director to see if she has any families that have a need for a unit.                                                                                                                       

 

Mr. Smith questioned the Knox boxes.   Mr. Pellek stated it is the same method as a lock box. The knox box is used for elevators, buildings etc. so fire personnel can access the building or necessary areas when it is locked.

 

q       Police

 

Mr. Raths stated that there are several budgets under police.  The first is police operations in the budget which reflects a 5.5% increase over last year.

 

Captain Kennedy represented the Police Department budget.

 

25-240 – Police - Mr. Rilee questioned line item #208 Tuition Expense he noted that the education services unit has decreased.  Captain Kennedy stated that a lot of the eligible officer’s that were grandfathered in have completed their courses. Captain Kennedy stated that the program will be decreased each year and $10,000 is enough budgeted for the year.

 

Mr. Smith questioned the parameters for taking classes.  Captain Kennedy stated that they can only take two classes per semester and the Chief approves what classes can be taken.

 

Ms. Urgo questioned line item #107 - Vacation Buy-Back.  Ms. Urgo questioned the cost and the theory in the past was that there would be a decrease.  Mr. Raths stated that the individuals now take their vacation time off and we would then still need to cover their shifts.  Ms. Urgo further questioned if the overtime decrease is affected by the vacation buy back.  Mr. Raths stated that he did not believe that it is a reflection.  Captain Kennedy stated that if the dispatcher needs to be covered by a police officer it would reflect in the overtime budget.

 

Mr. Rilee questioned the Nextel radio system.  Captain Kennedy stated the purpose for the system is so there is no dispatching, so no one can monitor the movement of the PD when they are investigating drugs etc.

 

Mr. Hall questioned the cost and if we receive more Nextel radios does the rate change.  Mr. Raths stated that he would look into that and advise council.

 

Mr. Hall questioned if there are any monies received from the Board of Education fund for the police officer that is stationed at the high school.  Mr. Raths stated that they do not subsidize.

 

Mr. Smith requested that if there are arrests that reflect money (drug etc) do the funds go into a drug forfeiture fund and can it be utilized for operating.  Captain Kennedy stated that it is guided through the prosecutor’s office as to how the funds can be distributed.

 

Mr. Smith requested the overall analysis for call out time.  Captain Kennedy stated that the data is only as good as long as it is dispatched back.  Captain Kennedy is not sure the template will allow another component to elaborate on the response time and text information.

 

Councilman Schmidt questioned why the vehicle/purchase/lease was less.  Captain Kennedy stated it represented the amount needed to purchase the lease vehicles this year.

 

25-241 – Police Staff -  Mr. Raths stated that the budget is down this year because a part-time position was eliminated.

 

Mr. Rilee questioned why line item #219 Materials & Supplies is listed in the police budget and not in the central store.  Captain Kennedy stated there are certain laser/jet cartridges etc. that are needed and not in the central store.

 

25-242 –Crossing Guards - Which reflects a decrease of approximately $3,000 this year.

 

25-250 – Dispatch – Mr. Raths stated there is a slight increase from last year.

 

Council took a break at 8:35 PM.

 

Council returned to the dais at 9:00 PM.

 

q       Health

 

27-330 – Health Department - Mr. Raths stated that the budget increase is .09% overall.  Mr. Grisi, Health Officer was present for discussions on the Health Budget.

 

Mr. Raths stated that there is a part –time position in this year’s budget.  The purpose is to cover a maternity leave and two retirees.    Mr. Raths stated he isn’t sure that the dollar amount is reflected in the budget.  Mr. Raths stated that he would look into it and let the council know. 

 

Ms. Urgo stated that in some of the line items in the department it reflects a significant decrease.  Mr. Grisi stated that they can never predict permits, such as wells, septic alterations, new septic and documents pertaining to the registrar records for copies and the clinics.  Ms. Urgo questioned why in 2003 678 permits were issued and in 2004 231.  Mr. Raths will look into and advise council.

 

Ms. Urgo requested to know the contribution of the member towns pertaining to the Morris Regional Public Health Partnership.  Mr. Grisi will provide the Council with the cost of member towns and the county.  Mr. Grisi stated that on the local level  the requested  compliance required is N.J.A.C. 8:52, the “Public Health Practice Standards for Local Health Agencies.

 

Mr. Grisi questioned if the amount allowed in the budget in line item #206  will sufficiently cover the cost for new staff training for their certification.  Council stated that if it does not cover the cost of the courses then the balance would come out of the general account line item for required education/training.

 

27-331    – Senior Activities - Ms. Urgo questioned  the contributions based on the number

of membership.   Mr. Raths stated that he gave the same budgets for each senior group.  Roxbury Senior Citizen has 240 members and the Ever Young Seniors has 255 members.    Mr. Raths stated that it would be based on $38.00 per member.  Ms. Palmieri will adjust the amount being budgeted by the membership.

 

27-332    – Blood Borne – No changes.

 

27-340 – Animal Control – No Changes.

 

27-341 – Dog Fund Deficit – No changes.

 

q       Recreation & Parks

 

Mr. Stierli was present to discuss the Recreation Budget. 

 

28-370 Recreation - Mr. Raths stated that the Increase over last year is due to the trails grant.

 

28-372 Leisure Activity – Mr. Raths stated that dues offset this program.

 

Ms. Urgo stated that there are some children that would like to join the Challenger Program that cannot afford it.  Ms. Urgo questioned if there is a possibility to have a trust fund if there were individuals willing to make contributions to the fund for any children interested in a recreation program who cannot afford the fee.

 

Mr. Stierli stated that this type of service is already taking place with the help of the township Welfare Department.

 

Mr. Smith felt that there should be a way an individual can participate through this method and not be embarrassed.

 

Mr. Stierli stated that there is a good system set up and kept confidential so there is no embarrassment to any individuals.

 

Ms. Palmieri stated that if a contribution system were set up an independent trust fund would need to be set up according to the requirements of the law.

 

Mr. Raths stated that this would be the fee for registration only.  Mr. Schmidt stated that it should be for all athletic events.  Mr. Raths stated that some of the programs include the cost of equipment besides the registration.  Mr. Raths and Ms. Palmieri will look into this and see what they can come up with.  Mr. Smith stated it should be considered “Adopt a child Athletic Program”.

 

28-375 – Park Maintenance - .09% increase from the previous year.  Mr. Raths stated that also we were able to transfer an employee from the Water Department to the Park Maintenance.

 

Mr. Rilee questioned how the geese program is working.  Mr. Ward, Supervisor of Buildings and Grounds Department was present and stated that the geese control has improved.  Ms. Urgo stated that she receives a lot of complaints.  Mr. Ward advised Council that the geese population has decreased to about 200 from 1,000.  Mr. Ward stated that he would try to increase the time of patrol and include Saturday.

 

q       Building and Grounds

 

26-310    - Line item 274 for alarm monitoring - Ms. Urgo stated that when she enters this building there is no alarm.  Mr. Raths will check into the monitoring  for this building, 1715 Rt. 46.

 

 

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

 

PUBLIC PORTION

 

Mr. Kluska

274 Emmans Road

 

Mr. Kluska stated that the offer for the fire department dog at no cost to the township could be inaccurate, if a dog becomes ill who would be responsible. 

 

Mr. Kluska brought up the discussion on the budget for the senior clubs and stated that the population does change in the senior clubs on a continuous basis.

 

In the senior budget the township use to pay for a joint dinner each year.  Mr. Kluska asked what the $1,500 in the budget is for.  Mr. Raths stated that the monies are there.  Mr. Raths will discuss this with the seniors.

 

Mr. Church

256 Eyland Avenue

 

Mr. Church commented on the Fire Department budget pertaining to uniforms and not the first aid volunteers.  Mr. Church felt that it was unfair that the fire department has dress uniforms, but the EMS does not.  Mayor Zoschak stated that the request should be made through the fire chiefs.  Mr. Raths stated that the chief could spend the monies on EMS uniforms through the budget. 

 

Mr. Church questioned if there are monies left over can they spend it or is it transferred. Mr. Raths stated that it is transferred.   Ms. Urgo stated that the budget should reflect why monies are transferred so they can understand what amounts were actually spent out of a particular budget.

 

Mr. Church questioned the $18,000 that is given to Company #1 and why isn’t it reflected on their tax return as a contribution.  Mr. Raths stated that he will check to see if we are providing 1099 Tax Form. 

 

Cathy DeFillippo

14 Deer Lane

 

 

Ms. DeFillippo questioned if the problem still is increasing with the geese population possibly if the Fire Prevention Officer trains a firedog that could be utilized as well to cover more areas in the township.  Ms. DeFillipo stated that a program for cross use of the animals could be beneficial.  Council felt that could be a possibility.

 

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

March 11, 2005

 

#3  Correspondence from Louis P. Rago, Esq. of Weiner Lesniak LLP (Attorneys at Law) to Mr. Chirstopher Raths, Township Manager dated March 9, 2005

 

RE:  Rachel Manor Properties, LLC

         Proposed Age Restricted Housing Project

         Portion of Block 5103, Lot 1

         Commerce Boulevard, Roxbury Township

         Our File No.: 19010

 

Discussion took place with regard to  a meeting with the Council.

 

#5 Mayors Fax Advisory from William G. Dressel, Jr., of NJLM dated March 7, 2005 re:  Celebrate New Jersey – Council decided not to send a resolution.

 

#7 Invitation from The Morristown & Erie Railway to Ride The Easter Bunny Express on March 19, 20 and 26, Departing Whippany Station, Route 10 West, Whippany at 1:00, 2:00, 3:00 & 4:00.  Council thanked Mr. Ciaramella for being a good sport about it.

 

#12 Fax Correspondence from Michael N. Matera, President of Roxbury Little league to Roxbury council received on March9, 2005 re: Permission to Name the Snack Stand Building at Kiwanis Field the “Jerry Roland Memorial Field House” in memory of Jerry Roland who passed away on March 3, 2005.  Council previously discussed this and agreed to the request.

 

#15 Correspondence from Luke Koppisch & Carole Tonks of NJ Council on Development Disabilities to Mayor Richard Zoschak dated March 3, 2005 re: P.L. 1999, Chapter 182, (NJSA 39:4-207.9) Also known as the “Snow Removal Law.”  Council agreed that it is not specific to Roxbury Township.

 

#20 Correspondence from Bradley M. Campbell, Commissioner – Department of Environmental Protection, State of NJ to the Honorable Richard Zoschak, Mayor of Roxbury Township dated March 2, 2005 re: Grant Application for FY05 (Application Due by April 29, 2005).  Ms. Urgo requested that we apply for Mooney Road.  Council agreed we should try and Mr. Raths will follow up to make sure it is in the application.

 

#22 Correspondence from Dominick Algeria, Active Member of the Shore Hills Community club located at 38 Vail Road, Landing to Mayor & Council received on February 9, 2005 re: Possibility of Giving the pond area on Cole Place, Lot 1, Block 109 to the Township of Roxbury & possibly obtaining a piece of property behind the clubhouse for parking – Lot 1.1, Block 106 – (with map attached as council requested).  Council agreed not to pursue at this time.  Mr. Raths will advise Mr. Algeria.

 

EXECUTIVE SESSION

None

 

ADJOURNMENT

At 10:10 PM Mr. Smith made a motion to adjourn the Budget/Workshop Meeting.  Mr. Rilee seconded the motion.

 

All in Favor - yes

 

Submitted By:

 

 

 

_______________________

BettyLou DeCroce

Township Clerk

 

MINUTES APPROVED BY COUNCIL

DATE:                         March 29, 2005

ROLL CALL:              Ms. Urgo  - yes            Mr. Rilee – yes

                                    Mr. Ciaramella – yes   Mr. Hall – yes

                                    Mr. Schmidt – yes       Mr. Smith –yes

                                    Mayor Zoschak - yes