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June 28, 2005

 

A Workshop Meeting was held by the Council of the Township of Roxbury on June 28, 2005 at 1715 Route 46, Ledgewood, New Jersey at 7:00 p.m.

           

OPEN PUBLIC MEETING STATEMENT

Notice is hereby given that the Workshop Meeting of the Township Council of the Township of Roxbury previously scheduled for 7:30 PM will be held on Tuesday, June 28, 2005 at 7:00 PM, at 1715 Route 46, Ledgewood, New Jersey.  This meeting is being held for the purpose of starting the regular scheduled meeting 30 minutes early for Council to go into Executive Session.

 

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 June 21, 2005; notice was posted on the bulletin board in the main hallway of the Municipal Building on June 21, 2005.

 

ROLL CALL (Present): Councilwoman Sandy Urgo, Councilmen John Ciaramella, Fred Hall, Jim Rilee, Martin Schmidt, Tim Smith, and Mayor Richard Zoschak 

 

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

 

EXECUTIVE SESSION

05-253             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

 

Mr. Rilee made a motion to adopt Resolution 05-253 for Executive Session.  Mr. Smith seconded the motion.

 

Roll Call:

Mr. Rilee – yes Mr. Smith – yes

Mr. Ciaramella  -yes     Mr. Hall – yes

Mr. Schmidt – yes        Ms. Urgo – yes

Mayor Zoschak – yes

 

Motion carried 7 – 0

 

At 7:05 PM Council went into Executive Session.

At 8:05 PM Council returned to the Workshop Meeting.

 

Mayor Zoschak amended the Agenda to present a plaque to Art Volpe, Jr. recognizing his outstanding service to Roxbury Township for the beautification efforts to Horseshoe Lake Island.  Mr. Volpe and other AT&T volunteers have, for the last three years, done an excellent job planting flowers and cleaning up the property.

 

Mayor Zoschak amended the Agenda to the Public Portion

Bernard Berkowitz, Esq., representing residents of Main Street, Ledgewood, spoke regarding the potential rezoning of a tract of land on Main Street.  Council agreed that this matter should be referred to the Master Plan Committee.  Mr. Berkowitz will contact Russell Stern, Township Planner.

 

Ms. Urgo stepped down for the following discussion due to a potential conflict of interest.

 

Seymour Zandel, Old Dover Road, Morris Plains, stated that he was following up on his request at the last meeting regarding the Township providing an easement on his property on Toby Drive.  Mr. Raths advised that the Planning Department has researched the property back to 1958.  All of the information will be sent to Mr. Bucco.  Mr. Bucco stated that it appears to be a civil matter, but he will render an opinion after he has had a chance to review the information.

 

At this time Ms. Urgo returned to dais.

 

Kathy Meeker, Main Street, Ledgewood, followed up on Mr. Berkowitz’ comments and stated that she would not like to see an office building built in center of residential homes.

 

Mr. Alvaro, 185 Main Street, Ledgewood, stated that he does not support having an office building in the area.

 

Charlie Alpaugh, Eyland Avenue, stated that the sound system in the Council Chambers is very poor and that individuals in the back of the room cannot hear what is being said, especially now that the air conditioning is running.  

 

Mr. Alpaugh questioned why the Daily Record does not publicize Township meetings. Mayor Zoschak stated that we have notified the paper regarding this and he is going to contact Fred Snowflack, of the Daily Record,  personally.

 

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

 

New Business

Department Presentation:  Engineering

 

Mike Kobylarz, Township Engineer updated Council on the various projects in the Township.

 

Roadway Improvements

Phase III of Eyland Avenue has been started.  Drainage and resurfacing have been completed to Oak Hill DriveUnneberg Avenue to Morningside Drive is scheduled to be completed this Fall.

 

Eyland Avenue Phase IV, Gail Drive to the Horseshoe Lake Entrance is also scheduled to be completed this Fall.  Two storm sewer pipe crossings must be completed by the Road Department before resurfacing can begin.

 

Shore Hills Road Improvements, Phase II is a continuation of resurfacing and sidewalk improvements projects on Ezra Place, Steffanie Place and a portion of Jeffrey Road.  Mr. Kobylarz expects this to go out for bid within the next couple of weeks.

 

Drainage Projects

Mr. Kobylarz expects the Conkling Road Drainage Project to be substantially completed by August. 

 

Main Street/Canal Street, Port Morris has been reevaluated and this project will be split into two phases.  The first phase would address the portion near Davis Street which would serve approximately 90% of Canal Street. The Phase 2 area is near the driveway of NJ Transit. Mr. Kobylarz would like to meet with NJ Transit to see if they would contribute to the project. 

 

Water Projects

Mooney Road Main Connection Project

The same contractor who is constructing the Conkling Road drainage project will also do the Mooney Road water main connection project.  Mr. Kobylarz expects completion by September.

 

Evergreen Acres Water System Improvements

The resolution to award this project is on tonight’s Agenda.  If awarded, the project should be completed by the end of year.  Ms. Urgo questioned why only one bid was received. Mr. Kobylarz will check into this.

 

Sewer Projects

The Skyview Wastewater Treatment Plant Decommissioning project is expected to be completed by May 2006.

 

Miscellaneous Projects

Dell Avenue Sidewalk

This project will go out to bid by August and construction will be completed by this Fall.

 

Community Center Entrance

The design is 90% complete.  Mr. Kobylarz will address the comments made by the Recreation Commission and bring this back to Council

 

Discussed ensued regarding the striping of the Righter Road parking lot and the possibility of installing a wood guide rail to maintain site distance. Mr. Kobylarz advised that there is drainage that needs to be installed in the roadway and parking areas, which will be done this Fall,  and then the entire entrance area and parking area in front of the building, the access to the Senior Center and the driveway to the ball fields will be paved.

 

Senior Center Bathroom Improvements

The project bids are to be received by July 7, 2005 and completion of the project is expected by September 2005.

 

Sewer – Grease Program

Rick Blood, Assistant Director of Public Works, advised that the Sewer Department has been involved in a grease program, where they have contacted the restaurants in the Township and started periodically sampling and testing for grease. Any property that exceeds 37.5 ppm will be contacted and resampled in 60 days.  If the level is not reduced to the standard set by the Township Ordinance, the property owner will be surcharged.

 

Water

Mr. Blood advised that 1200 meters have been installed and there are approximately 1900 left to be installed. By 2007 there will be transmitters on all Township water meters.

 

Road Department

Many roads have been paved under the large capital ordinance and some other with developers off tract improvement funds.  Roxbury Avenue, Kings Parkway, Manor Parkway and Arlington Avenue will be paved in the Spring 2006.

 

Other Projects

There will be drainage installation on 8 Meadowview Avenue, Ballentine Street and Third Street and drainage and paving at the Horseshoe Lake Entrance.

 

Seasonal Tasks

The Road Department is removing and replacing berms, repairing catch basins and 2/3 of the Township roads have been swept.

 

DPW Facility

Mr. Blood advised that there have been numerous meetings regarding this.  The demolition bid opening date is scheduled for July 21, 2005.  Pertaining to the existing well, Mr. Blood advised that Tom Grau, of Hatch Mott MacDonald, needs to clarify issues with the DEP regarding what types of activities can be used in the area of a public supply well.   Mr. Kobylarz stated that he will request Mr. Grau to have all issues addressed at  the next Water/Sewer Committee meeting on July 15, 2005 and then come back to Council. The demolition bids will be accepted; however, it will not be awarded until the water issue is settled.

 

Mr. Blood advised that the proposed dimensions for the DPW facility do not meet the space requirements of the Department. To increase the square footage from 15,600 feet to 18,100 feet would increase the cost of the building portion by $134,500. Mr. Blood will make a presentation to Council regarding the size of the building. Mr. Schmidt stated that at the last committee meeting there was a consensus that the larger building would serve the Township well into the future. 

 

At 9:05 PM Council took a short break.

At 9:15 PM Council returned to the Workshop Meeting.

 

Mr. Ciaramella stated that the Economic Development Committee held a meeting last week.  They are planning a seminar to be held on September 15, 2005.  He would like the Clerk’s Office to provide him with a list of all business in the Township, including addresses and phone numbers.

 

Mr. Hall questioned if the Township has sent a response to Cablevision regarding the changes being made.  Mr. Raths stated that a letter will be sent stating our objections.

 

Mr. Hall requested information on the Municipal Utilities Authority extension for water across the back of Horseshoe Lake by the railroad tracks.  Mr. Kobylarz has spoken with the MUA and will provide information to Council.

 

Mr. Hall discussed the recent power outages.  Mr. Raths will contact JCP&L to determine the problem.

 

Mr. Schmidt advised that he met with Boy Scout Troop 163, who would like to upgrade the house on Old Canal Park to be used as a scout house.  He will provide Council with a letter listing the items they would like to complete.  Mr. Raths stated that we will also have to check liability issues.

 

Mr. Smith advised that the Open Space Committee will meet tomorrow.

 

Mr. Smith informed Council regarding the Concert Series being held this summer.  The first concert, which was held last night, was an 8 piece jazz group from Pittsburgh and was held in the Eisenhower Middle School auditorium.  The concerts will be held on Tuesday evenings at various locations, such as Perfetti Park, Shore Hill Park and Horseshoe Lake

 

Ms. Urgo requested an update on the lease from the County Railroad.  Mr. Raths will provide the information.

 

Ms. Urgo questioned if there has been a response to NJDEP regarding the Lake Hopatcong TMDL, with comments regarding items that are objectionable to the Township. Mr. Raths advised that a letter will be sent this week.

 

Mayor Zoschak stated that he attended the recent Highland Compact meeting.  Mr. Zabihach reiterated the stormwater management rules.  It was agreed that Mr. Stern, Township Planner should attend the Highlands meetings.

 

Mayor Zoschak requested an update on the 9/11 memorial.  Ms. Urgo stated that the Committee received a fax of  the proposed plaque. Mr. Ciaramella will present this to the Rotary Club for their review.

 

Mayor Zoschak requested an update on the Veterans Memorial.  Mr. Schmidt stated that it has been  put on temporary hold while Mr. Kirchgessner recuperates from his recent surgery. He also advised that the architect would like to redesign the memorial to be more cost effective.

 

Mayor Zoschak requested an update on the Hercules Memorial.  Mr. Raths advised that the plaque has been ordered, the stone selected and currently the plan is for a dedication on Labor Day.

 

Mayor Zoschak advised that he received a letter from the Knee Deep Club requesting money to help stock Lake Hopatcong.  He will advise them that the Township does not donate to organizations.

 

Mayor Zoschak requested that anyone who notices algae blooms on Lake Hopatcong should notify the Lake Hopatcong Commission.

 

Mr. Ciaramella requested an update on the tree between 9 and 11 North First Street.  Mr. Raths will obtain an answer from Mr. Blood.

 

Mr. Ciaramella requested an update on the Kenvil Avenue clean up.  Mr. Raths advised that he has spoken with Engineering and Mr. Kobylarz will send Dan Henry out to the area to check on this.

 

Mr. Ciaramella advised that he heard that there has been an environmental study, with a report,  on this building.  Mr. Raths advised that one office was thought to have mold in the wall, so it was checked.  There was no mold in the wall, but there were some air quality issues found.  Mr. Raths will follow up.

 

Old Business

Procurement Policy

Appointments

Lake Musconetcong Regional Planning Board: 1 Member, 4-year Term (Mayor Appointment) - to be discussed at a future meeting.

Rockaway River Watershed Cabinet - 1 Member, 1-year term and un-expired term of Tricia Fragale (1/1/05 > 12/31/05) – to be discussed at a future meeting.

 

PUBLIC PORTION

Previously Discussed

 

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

 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

April 26, 2005     Workshop

April 26, 2005     Executive Session

May 10, 2005     Executive Session 05-158

May 10, 2005     Executive Session 05-178

June 14, 2005     Executive Session

 

Mrs. Rieth handed out revised copies of all of the Executive Session minutes that are on the Agenda for approval.  Mrs. Urgo gave the Clerk’s Office revisions to the April 26th Workshop Meeting minutes.  Approval of all of the above minutes was held and will be placed on the July 12th Agenda.

 

DRAFT ORDINANCES FOR DISCUSSION

None

 

INTRODUCTION OF PROPOSED ORDINANCES       

None

 

HEARING AND ADOPTION OF ORDINANCES ON SECOND READING

None

 

DRAFT RESOLUTION FOR DISCUSSION

A resolution for Committee Support for Grant Assistance for Main Street project

 

Council will provide any comments they have on the terms and conditions to Mr. Bucco and he will review them and prepare a resolution for the July 12th Meeting.

 

INTRODUCTION AND ADOPTION OF RESOLUTIONS        

05-235    A resolution incorporating by reference herein and approving the following numbered

resolutions listed on the workshop council meeting agenda for this date: 05-236, 05-237, 05-239, 05-240, 05-241, 05-242, 05-244, 05-245, 05-246, 05-247, 05-248, 05-249, 05-250, 05-251, 05-252

 

Mr. Hall made a motion to adopt Resolution 05-235.  Mr. Smith seconded the motion. 

After discussion, Mr. Hall amended his motion to pull Resolution 05-238.  Mr. Smith seconded the amendment.

 

Roll Call:

Mr. Hall – yes              Mr. Smith – yes

Mr. Ciaramella – yes (abstain on checks no. 36281 and no. 36282)

Mr. Rilee – yes Mr. Schmidt – yes

Ms. Urgo – yes (no on 05-244 and abstain on check no. 36284)

Mayor Zoschak – yes

 

Motion carried 7 – 0 with one no on 05-244 and one abstention on checks no. 36281, no. 36282 and no. 36284)

 

05-236    A resolution authorizing the purchase of a four wheel drive truck and service body from

 Beyer Brothers Corporation

 

05-237    A resolution authorizing the purchase of one 2-yard dump body with accessories for the

 Road Department from Tony Sanchez Ltd.

 

05-238    A resolution authorizing the purchase of FTR Gold Digital Recording System (A.O.C.

 approved) - Pulled

 

05-239  A resolution authorizing the refund of taxes

 

05-240  A resolution authorizing the refund of a sewer utility payment

 

05-241    A resolution authorizing the release of a Performance Guarantee to Abe Snyder and

 Company, Inc. for the 2004.2005 snow removal services

 

05-242    A resolution extending the current moratorium on new connections to the Township’s

 water system

 

05-244 A resolution authorizing the purchase of a dump body and hydraulic system for the road

 department from Tony Sanchez Ltd.

 

05-245 A resolution authorizing the award of a contract to Rapid Pump & Meter, Inc. for Ajax

 Pump Controls

 

05-246 A resolution authorizing the award of a contract to Iron Hills Construction Co, Inc.,

Wayne, New Jersey for the construction of the Evergreen Acres Water System     Improvements, Production Well No. 14 located On Block 13102 Lot 12, 19 Mettle Lane, Berkshire Valley

 

05-247 A resolution authorizing the release of a Maintenance Guarantee posted by Armont

Homes, Inc., for the development known as Forest Hollow Section II, formerly Block 45, Lots 52, 54.1, & 60

 

05-248 A resolution denying the release of the Performance Guarantee for the development

 known as Hunter’s Ridge, Section I, Block 33.1, Lot 3

 

05-249  A resolution denying the release of the Performance Guarantee for the development

 known as Hunter’s Ridge, Section II, Block 33.1, Lot 3

 

05-250 A resolution denying the release of the Performance Guarantee for the development

 known as Hunter’s Ridge, Section III, Block 33.1, Lot 3

 

05-251 A resolution authorizing the award of a contract to Kingston Turf Farms for installation

 of 80,000 square feet of sod at the Horseshoe Lake Soccer Field

 

05-252  A resolution authorizing payment of bills

 

 

05-243 A resolution authorizing the acceptance of a Cash Bond for As-Built Plans for final

 subdivision for Deerview Estates located on Hillside Avenue, Block 4201, Lot 11

 

Mr. Rilee made a motion to adopt Resolution 05-243.  Mr. Hall seconded the motion.

 

Roll Call:

Mr. Rilee – yes Mr. Hall – yes

Mr. Ciaramella – yes    Mr. Schmidt – yes

Mr. Smith – abstain      Ms. Urgo – yes

Mayor Zoschak – yes

 

Motion carried 6 – 0 with one abstention

 

COMMUNICATIONS

June 17, 2005

Mr. Rilee made a motion to file the Communications of June 17, 2005.  Mr. Hall seconded the motion.

 

Roll Call:

Mr. Rilee – yes Mr. Hall – yes

Mr. Ciaramella – yes    Mr. Schmidt – yes

Mr. Smith – yes            Ms. Urgo – yes

Mayor Zoschak – no

 

Motion carried 6 – 1

 

June 24, 2005

#2 – Mayors Fax Advisory from William Dressel, Executive Director of NJLM, dated June17, 2005, re: A-1820, Union Card Check – A Resolution Opposing A-1820 will be prepared for the next meeting.

 

#14 – Correspondence from Christopher Raths, to Stephen Brezler, Center for Local Government, SPC/TriDate Corporation, dated June 22, 2005, re: Evaluation of Roxbury Township’s EMS Service – Ms. Urgo felt that this letter was an inaccurate reflection of the report and service.

 

#24 – Interoffice Memo from Dolores DeMasi to Mayor/Council, dated June 23, 2005, re: Zoning Report for 2004 – The recommendations will be sent to the Master Plan Committee.

 

EXECUTIVE SESSION

05-254    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

 

Mr. Smith made a motion to adopt Resolution 05-254 for Executive Session.  Ms. Urgo seconded the motion.

 

Roll Call:

Mr. Smith –yes Ms. Urgo – yes

Mr. Ciaramella – yes    Mr. Hall – yes

Mr. Rilee – yes Mr. Schmidt – yes

Mayor Zoschak – yes

 

Motion carried 7 – 0

 

ADJOURNMENT

At 11:05 PM Mr. Rilee made a motion to adjourn the Workshop Meeting.  Mr. Smith seconded the motion.

 

All In Favor – Yes

 

Submitted By:

 

 

 

 _________________________

BettyLou DeCroce

Township Clerk

MINUTES APPROVED BY COUNCIL

DATE:                        July 26, 2005

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

                                    Mr. Ciaramella – yes    Mr. Hall –yes

                                    Mr. Smith –yes Mayor Zoschak - yes