May 3, 2005
A Budget Meeting
was held by the Township Council of the Township of Roxbury
on May 3, 2005 at 1715 Route 46, Ledgewood, New
Jersey at 7:30 p.m.
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, May 3, 2005 at 7:30 PM at 1715 Route 46,
Ledgewood, New Jersey. This meeting is being held for the purpose of
discussing the 2005 Budget.
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 April
27, 2005; notice was posted on the bulletin board in the main hallway of the
Municipal Building on April 27, 2005.
ROLL
CALL: (Present) Councilwoman
Sandy Urgo, Councilmen John Ciaramella, Fred Hall, Jim Rilee, Tim Smith, Martin
Schmidt and Mayor Richard Zoschak
ALSO
PRESENT: Christopher
Raths, Township Manager; Lisa Palmieri, Chief Financial Officer and Janet
Rieth; Deputy Clerk
REPORTS OF
COUNCIL LIAISON REPRESENTATIVES, COUNCIL COMMITTEES AND NEW BUSINESS/OLD
BUSINESS
Mr. Raths
advised that the budget, as is, represents a 4-point tax increase, which
includes $120,000 in reductions. The reductions should have reduced the tax
point to 3.3; however, due to the rough winter, Snow and Ice was replenished
with $135,000. Mr. Raths further advised that other surrounding municipalities
are looking at 5 to 10 point increases. Mayor Zoschak stated that, with the
school budget, there will be an overall 13% increase.
Mayor Zoschak
questioned if Ms. Palmieri looked into the bank picking up the payroll cost.
Ms. Palmieri advised that she had not pursued this; however, all accounts are
pooled together and we earn interest as a whole on all the accounts. Mr.
Raths advised that this is a compensating balance agreement and for every
service that the bank provides they reduce the amount of interest. Mr. Raths
and Ms. Palmieri will revisit this item.
Mr. Hall
questioned if there is anything that can be done for the future regarding the
amount spent for snow and ice. Mr. Raths advised that Mr. Blood, Assistant
Director of Public Works, is putting together a list of options, such as
temporary storage in other areas of the Township. Mr. Ciaramella questioned if
the Board of Education compensates the Township for the salt they use. Mr.
Blood advised that they were billed $13,000 this year.
26-291 Snow
& Ice
Ms. Palmieri
advised that overtime has been changed to $110,000, Operating Expenses are
$220,000 and Contracted Services are $80,000.
Health
Department Salary and Wages
Mr. Raths
advised that the Health Department Salary and Wages was reduced by $12,000.
Municipal
Service Agreements
Mayor Zoschak
questioned that, since the Township is now paying for street lighting for
Drakesville, Willow Walk, etc., would it benefit the Township to put it under
our blanket electric bill to obtain a better rate. Ms. Palmieri advised that,
the way the Agreements are written, there is a set formula, where we take their
bills and pay a percentage. Mr. Raths advised that Mr. Bucco drafted the
agreements with the understanding that it would be more cost efficient to do it
the way it is being done. Mr. Raths will speak with Mr. Bucco regarding this.
Mr. Hall
questioned if the Condominium Agreements, as far as the money being allocated,
are single year or multiple year agreements. Mr. Palmieri advised that each
one is a four-year agreement and each year it is delineated as to the
percentage we pay. In 2007 we will be paying 100%.
Ms. Urgo
questioned if the $69,000 in State aid is reflected in the current number.
Ms. Palmieri stated that it is. Ms. Urgo questioned the $29,000 expenditure
for health insurance. Mr. Raths advised he does not know anything about this
expenditure. Ms. Urgo requested that he and Ms. Palmieri review their notes to
determine if there is such an expenditure.
Ms. Urgo
questioned the funding for LOSAP. Mr. Raths advised that LOSAP was funded
$55,000.
Mr. Raths
advised that he will obtain an update from Rob Kuncken, IT Director, regarding
the Library phone line charges. Discussion ensued regarding Library
maintenance, such as landscaping, painting, electrical, etc., coming under
Buildings and Grounds and whether it would save money for the Township. Mr.
Raths stated that he feels Building and Grounds already does some of the
Library maintenance, although the Library does pay for two part time
custodians. Ms. Palmieri stated that the Township is $60,000 over the
statutory requirement that the municipality must fund the Library. Council
requested that Mr. Raths and Ms. Palmieri keep track of the extra money that
is given to the Library during the year.
Ms. Urgo
questioned if Chief Hayowyk has been invited to attend an Executive Session to
discuss questions he has regarding the Fire Department budget. Mr. Raths will
contact Mr. Bucco to determine what can be discussed with Chief Hayowyk and the
Chief will be asked to attend the next meeting.
Council
requested the reserve for pending tax appeals. This will be broken down and
given to Council.
There
was discussion regarding the possibility of cutting back or eliminating the
$101,000 payment to the sewer utility. Mr. Smith stated that this is a
discretionary item, the utility is in excellent shape financially and he feels
it could be reduced for this year and paid down at a later date. After much
discussion, the majority of Council agreed to leave the $101,000 in the budget.
Ms. Urgo
requested an update on the cap balance. Mr. Palmieri stated that we are in the
limit; however she will have to verify the exact amount.
Mr.
Raths stated that the fund balance is $1.2 million and we are using $1
million. If we do not replenish the fund balance, next year we could have half
of what we have available this year. Ms. Urgo questioned if there is money in
the reserve for tax appeals, as a result of the revaluation, that is not marked
for some other tax appeal. Ms. Palmieri will check into this and provide
Council with the amount.
Mr. Raths
advised that the $11,000 for electronic codification of ordinances for the
Planning Department and the Clerk’s Office was left in the budget. Mr. Raths
will check with Mr. Kuncken to confirm that there is enough disc space for the
codifications.
Mr. Raths
advised that the budget will be introduced at the next meeting.
Mr. Schmidt
reminded everyone of National Day of Prayer, which will be held this Thursday
at Horseshoe Lake.
Mr. Schmidt
stated that there will be another troop drive and he will provide further
details when they are finalized.
Mr. Raths
advised that Mr. Schmidt has spoken with him regarding the Township funding
$1,200 for the Neighbors Helping Neighbors Dinners.
Mr.
Schmidt made a motion that $1,200 be added to the budget for the Neighbors
Helping Neighbors Dinners. Mr. Smith seconded the motion.
Council members
stated that they will support this for one year and would like to pursue outside
contributions for the future.
Roll Call:
Mr. Schmidt –
yes Mr. Smith – yes
Mr. Ciaramella –
yes Mr. Hall – yes
Mr. Rilee – yes Ms.
Urgo –yes
Mayor Zoschak –
yes
Mr.
Hall advised that the congratulatory sign for the Girls Cross Country State
Championship Team is not yet on Bryant
Drive. Mr. Blood will
speak with the Supervisor of the Road Department and have the sign erected.
Mr. Hall
requested that an article be place in the next issue of the Roxbury Image
regarding the need for coaches. Mr. Hall will write the article to be used as
a press release and also for the Image.
Mr.
Hall stated that everyone thought the trails meeting went well. A follow up
meeting of the Trails Committee was held on Saturday and all the information
was mapped against the areas designated on the charts. Another Committee
meeting will be held May 14th and the information will then be
turned over to the Morris Land Conservancy to put the plan together that will
come before Council.
Mr.
Hall attended the Board of Education meeting last night. It was well attended
by residents who were supporting the programs that are being cut from the
school budget.
Mr. Smith
advised that there is a lot of trash at a section of Emmans Road by the sharp curve at the railroad
tracks. Mr. Raths will have someone clean this up.
Mr.
Smith questioned when the Main Street Streetscaping Committee will be formally
constituted. Mr. Raths will write a letter to the Presbyterian Church and the Methodist Church asking them to appoint a representative
to the committee. Council members will bring names to the next meeting for
appointment.
Mr.
Smith advised that the Economic Development Committee met last week and they
will be meeting again on May 9th to discuss putting together a
seminar for realtors and small business owners. They are working on pages that
will be added to the Township web site giving demographic information.
Discussion
ensued regarding the Township’s list of vacant land and the fact that the Economic
Development Committee, the Open Space Advisory Committee and the Trails
Committee may be competing for the same properties. Mr. Smith advised that the
Economic Development Committee is focusing on vacant buildings.
Ms. Urgo
stated that she continues to hear concerns from residents regarding Morris Canal Park, particularly ATVs from the Kawasaki dealer being on the property. Mr. Raths advised that the
small area is not on our property. Mr. Raths further advised that the
Township installed barriers to keep them off the park and the incline plane.
The jail bars are to be used to secure the tunnels and the mine pit. Mr.
Raths will send another letter to the Kawasaki dealer informing him that he will
receive violations if he is seen riding on the property again.
Mr. Rilee
attended the Fire Chiefs meeting at which Mark Noll, Chief of Police, presented
an update on the radio system and advised that it is getting better. Mr. Rilee
discussed the possibility of Company 2 taking Truck 105 from Company No. 1 to
use as a brush truck and trading in their truck, which is approximately 20
years old. Mr. Rilee advised that this is in the discussion stage only.
Mr. Ciaramella
stated that the group that cleaned up Berkshire
Valley Road did a good
job.
Mr.
Ciaramella would like a follow up on the Farley property on Main Street. Mr. Raths advised that Russell Brown,
Construction Code Official, will look into this
Mayor Zoschak
requested an update on the Canal
Street drainage problem
and what has been done to temporarily correct it. Mr. Raths will have Mr.
Kobylarz, Township Engineer, provide an update.
Mayor Zoschak
advised that the Lake Hopatcong Commission appointed Brandon Philips as the
liaison to the Musconetcong Board.
Mayor Zoschak
requested an update on 66
Laurie Road and the
property on Culver Road, which are abandoned houses. Mr. Raths
advised that the property owner has been contacted for Laurie Road and the real estate company has been
contacted for the Culver
Road property.
Mayor Zoschak
stated that he has also received a complaint regarding the cleaning of Shippenport Road. Mr. Raths will look into this.
MATTERS
REQUESTED/REFERRED BY COUNCIL MEMBERS, MANAGER, ATTORNEY OR CLERK.
PUBLIC
PORTION
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
05-157 A
resolution of continued support for Picatinny’s Armaments Research, Development
and
Engineering Center (ARDEC).
Mr. Rilee made a
motion to adopt Resolution 05-157. Ms. Urgo seconded the motion.
Roll Call:
Mr. Rilee – yes Ms.
Urgo –yes
Mr. Ciaramella –
yes Mr. Hall – yes
Mr. Schmidt – yes Mr.
Smith –yes
Mayor Zoschak –
yes
Motion carried 7
– 0
COMMUNICATIONS
April 29, 2005
#2
– Correspondence from George Wien, Roxbury Historic Trust, Inc., dated April 25, 2005 re: Report for the Year 2004 on the Activities and Progress
at the Ledgewood Historic Park – Council thanked Rotary for all of
their help.
#3 –
Correspondence from Christopher Raths, Township Manager, to Reverend Joseph
Davis, St. Therese’s Church, dated April 26, 2005, re: List of Businesses
Registered in Roxbury Township Offering Massages – This was requested by the
ministers in the Township.
#7
– Correspondence from Virginia Skwara, Department of Community Affairs, to
Christopher Raths, dated April 21, 2005, re: Appointment of Mr. Russell Brown
as Roxbury Township’s Construction Official – Mr. Brown will attend the May 10th
meeting to meet Council.
#8 – Website
Information from House Committee on Homeland Security, dated April 21, 2005,
re: First Responder Funding Reform Clears Committee Headed for Floor – The
Township hopes to see some of the money.
#15
– Mayors Fax Advisory from William Dressel, Executive Director of NJLM, dated
April 26, 2005, re: DOT Response to Engine Braking Concerns – Mr. Raths will
send a letter to encourage the League to continue communications with the DOT.
#17
– Mayors Fax Advisory from William Dressel, Executive Director of NJLM, dated
April 28, 2005, re: Verizon Fiber Optic Roll Out – This will be discussed at
the Cable Committee meeting.
#19 –
Correspondence from Marilyn Snow, East Hanover Township Clerk, to Jack Schrier,
Director of Morris County Board of Chosen Freeholders, dated April 26, 2005,
re: Resolution Requesting the Morris County Board of Chosen Freeholders Return
Surplus Funds to Local Municipalities – A Resolution will be on the next
Agenda.
#22 –
Correspondence from Wolfgang Skacel, CHMM Assistant Commissioner, NJDEP, to
Mayor Zoschak, dated April 19, 2005, re: DEP to Step Up Enforcement of Idling
School Buses – The Board of Education has a copy of this correspondence.
#24 – Copy of
Dover & Rockaway Branch Lease & Railroad Operating Agreement – Council
advised that this is not the one they need. Mr. Raths will provide them with a
copy of the High Bridge Railroad Agreement.
#27 –
Correspondence from Alex DeCroce, Assembly Leader of the New Jersey General
Assembly, to Mayor Zoschak, dated April 20, 2005, re: Resolution in Support of
a Permanent & Constitutionally Guaranteed 30% Reduction in Property Taxes –
Council will compare all plans that are sent in and decide which to support.
#28 – Mayors
Fax Advisory from William Dressel, Executive Director of NJLM, dated April 29,
2005, re: Urgent Legislative Alert – S-2118, “Time of Decision” Rule – A FAX of
the Township’s opposition will be sent to Mr. Dressel.
#30
– Correspondence from Lucy Voorhoeve, COAH, to Mayor Zoschak, dated April 26,
2005, re: Updated Service List – We are complying with COAH rules.
EXECUTIVE
SESSION
None
ADJOURNMENT
At
9:45 PM Mr. Rilee made a motion to adjourn the Budget Meeting. Mr. Smith
seconded the motion.
All In Favor –
Yes
Submitted By:
BettyLou DeCroce
Township Clerk
MINUTES
APPROVED BY COUNCIL
DATE: May 24, 2005
ROLL CALL: Mr. Rilee – yes Ms. Urgo – yes
Mr.
Ciaramella – yes Mr. Hall – yes
Mayor
Zoschak - yes