A regular meeting of the Randolph Township Council was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Mayor Mitsch. This meeting is held pursuant to the New Jersey Open Public Meetings Act. Adequate notice of the meeting has been provided by posting written notice of the time, date, location and, to the extent known, the agenda of the meeting in Randolph Township. This notice was posted on the Bulletin Board within Town Hall, it was filed with the Township Clerk, and it was provided to those persons or entities requesting notification. Notice was also provided to the Randolph Reporter and the Morris County Daily Record on December 8, 2010, by emailing them the annual resolution adopted by the Council on December 7, 2010. The annual resolution, which included this meeting date, was advertised in the Randolph Reporter, the official newspaper of the Township of Randolph, and in the Morris County Daily Record on December 16, 2010. Notice of the time change, which included this meeting date, was advertised in the Randolph Reporter on April 21, 2011.
PRESENT:
Councilman Algeier
Councilman Loveys
Councilman MacArthur
Councilman Napoliello
Councilman Obremski
Deputy Mayor Guadagno
Mayor Mitsch
Also Present: Township Manager John Lovell and Township Attorney Edward Buzak
Mayor Mitsch led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Mayor Mitsch recognized the Randolph High School Varsity Hockey Team and congratulated them for their achievements during the past season. She thanked them for being outstanding representatives for Randolph.
The team was presented with a plaque and each team member received a proclamation to commemorate their championship.
Seeing no one from the public, the public portion was closed.
WHEREAS, Section 8 of the Open Public Meetings Act, Chapter 231, P.L. 1975 (N.J.S.A. 10:4-12) permits the exclusion of the public from a meeting under certain circumstances; and
WHEREAS, this public body is of the opinion that such circumstances presently exist.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the Township of Randolph, in the County of Morris, and State of New Jersey, as follows:
1. The public shall be excluded from the following portion of the meeting.
2. The general nature of the subject matter to be discussed is as follows:
a. Westminster v. MUA
3. As nearly as now can be ascertained, the matter or matters to be discussed at this time will be disclosed to the public at such time and under such circumstances as are prescribed by law.
4. At the conclusion of the closed Executive Session, the Council may reconvene in public session for the purpose of taking formal action on matters discussed in closed session or on any other matter as permitted by law.
Councilman Algeier made a motion to move into Executive Session at 7:25 p.m. Councilman MacArthur seconded the motion, and the following roll call vote was taken:
AYES:
Councilman Algeier
Councilman Loveys
Councilman MacArthur
Councilman Napoliello
Councilman Obremski
Deputy Mayor Guadagno
Mayor Mitsch
NAYS: None
Councilman Algeier made a motion to return to Open Session at 7:50 p.m. Councilman Obremski seconded the motion, and the following roll call vote was taken:
AYES:
Councilman Algeier
Councilman Loveys
Councilman MacArthur
Councilman Napoliello
Councilman Obremski
Deputy Mayor Guadagno
Mayor Mitsch
NAYS: None
Mayor Mitsch read the following resolution into the record:
WHEREAS, the annual sale of Buddy Poppies by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States has been officially recognized and endorsed by governmental leaders since 1922; and
WHEREAS, VFW Buddy Poppies are assembled by disabled veterans, and the proceeds of the worthy fund-raising campaign are used exclusively for the benefit of disabled and needy veterans and the widows and orphans of deceased veterans; and
WHEREAS, the basic purpose of the annual sale of Buddy Poppies by the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Auxiliary and the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 391 of Mine Hill is eloquently reflected in the desire to “Honor the Dead by Helping the Living”.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Trina Ruane Mitsch, Mayor of the Township of Randolph, do hereby urge the citizens of this community to recognize the merits of this cause by contributing generously to its support through the purchase of Buddy Poppies from May 1 through May 31, 2011, which are symbols of appreciation for the sacrifices of our honored dead.
FURTHER, I urge all patriotic citizens to wear a Buddy Poppy as mute evidence of our gratitude to the men of this country who have risked their lives in defense of the freedoms which we continue to enjoy as American citizens.
Councilman MacArthur reported that he attended a recent Recreation Committee meeting where the following items were discussed:
Councilman Napoliello attended a recent Morris County League of Municipalities meeting where he accepted a plaque for Randolph Township in recognition of many years as a member of the League.
Councilman Algeier reported that he attended the recent annual MCCPC meeting. Attendance at this year’s meeting was lighter than in previous years and the Councilman sees this as a sign that members are satisfied with the MCCPC despite the on-going Tilcon litigation. Several members made suggestions for possible contracts and some posed questions during the meeting. The Councilman made the following comments regarding the Tilcon lawsuit:
Councilman Obremski reported that additional resources are being brought to the Gristmill and Schoolhouse Road area to assist with the clean-up and restoration of power as a result of damage from the straight line winds that swept through the area earlier in the day.
Councilman Loveys attended a recent Parks Committee meeting and his comments included the following:
Councilman Loveys reported that the April Environmental Commission meeting was cancelled and the next meeting will take place in June. Councilman Loveys and Councilman Napoliello attended a recent program at Ironia School. A former pilot from the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration gave a successful presentation to the students about his days flying into hurricanes.
Deputy Mayor Guadagno attended a recent Community Services Committee meeting and suggested that Russ Newman attend the next meeting to introduce himself to the members. The Deputy Mayor also attended a recent MAC meeting. The MAC realizes there will be changes to the committee in the near future. Deputy Mayor Guadagno noted that the committee contains several strong members and would like to see those members re-appointed to the committee by the Council. During the MAC meeting the current members were voting on issues despite the fact that they don’t have any authority at this time. Deputy Mayor Guadagno attended an event at the Meadow Woods sponsored by the County that brought together several organizations and non-profits which provide assistance to people in need. The Deputy Mayor suggested that both the Community Services Committee and the MAC be tied into this county initiative.
Mayor Mitsch reported that the first Fifth Friday Club hosted by the Economic Development Committee will take place on April 29 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at La Strada Restaurant. The goal of this initiative is to bring local businesses together to meet the Council, staff, and members of the EDC in the hopes that the town will become more involved with and interface more with the businesses in town. The Mayor attended a presentation by the Senior Softball League to John Van Brunt thanking him for his years of support. Mayor Mitsch reported that, after some coaching, she will make her rookie debut by delivering the opening pitch at the Little League Opening Day Ceremony at 10:00 a.m. on April 30 at Heistein Park.
Manager Lovell expressed his appreciation to Mayor Mitsch and Councilman Loveys for their assistance in discussions with Morris Township regarding the sewer line. Counterparts in Morris Township have indicated that they would report favorably to their Town Committee with a recommendation to cooperate with Randolph and the alternative that has been put forth for the Sussex Turnpike line to the Butterworth Interceptor. Engineers from the Kushner Corporation will be doing further research on the feasibility of the project, particularly from the lower end. Manager Lovell reported that there were some power outages in Randolph as a result of the storm.
Manager Lovell introduced Howard Spear, the attorney representing Mr. Grecco.
Mr. Spear noted that both licenses are at this time inactive. One license is a distribution license and the other is a consumption license. It is anticipated that they will eventually be utilized by restaurants in the new shopping center.
Councilman Algeier made a motion to approve both liquor license transfers to Mr. Grecco. Councilman MacArthur seconded the motion, and the following roll call vote was taken:
AYES:
Councilman Algeier
Councilman Loveys
Councilman MacArthur
Councilman Napoliello
Councilman Obremski
Deputy Mayor Guadagno
Mayor Mitsch
NAYS: None
Authorizing a Person-to-Person Transfer of the Plenary Retail Liquor License From Mt. Freedom BK, Inc. to James B. Grecco
R-108-11
WHEREAS, James B. Grecco (“Applicant” or “Transferee”) has submitted an application together with supporting documentation and affidavits for a person-to-person transfer (“Application”) of a Plenary Retail Consumption Liquor License No. 143-44-023-001 (“Liquor License” or “License”) from Mt. Freedom BK, Inc. (“Transferor”) to the Applicant in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Township of Randolph (“Township”) and the New Jersey Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control (“ABC”); and
WHEREAS, Notice of the Application was published in the official newspaper of the Township on April 14, 2011, and April 21, 2011, in accordance with the statutory provisions; and
WHEREAS, a police background check has been completed on the Applicant, including a fingerprint check; and
WHEREAS, the Transferor has submitted a Consent to Transfer Liquor License; and
WHEREAS, the New Jersey Department of Treasury, Division of Taxation, has approved and issued an Alcoholic Beverage Licensee Clearance Certificate; and
WHEREAS, there has been no formal objection received by the Township in connection with the Applicant; and
WHEREAS, the Township sought and obtained additional information in connection with the Application; and
WHEREAS, the contract of sale for the License, which was attached to the Application, states that Mt. Freedom BK, LLC, is the Seller and Grecco Realty, LLC, is the Buyer of the License; and
WHEREAS, the Applicant has submitted to the Township a copy of an Assignment of Contract and Assumption Agreement (“Assignment”) under which the contract to purchase the License has been assigned by Grecco Realty, LLC, to James B. Grecco; and
WHEREAS, the Township Attorney has reviewed the Assignment and has determined that the Assignment is satisfactory; and
WHEREAS, the Applicant has disclosed information as to the source of funds for acquiring the License from the current Licensee satisfactory to the Township; and
WHEREAS, the Applicant has submitted a notarized Affidavit of Transferee; and
WHEREAS, the Applicant has submitted a notarized Affidavit of Transferor; and
WHEREAS, the Applicant submitted an affidavit stating that the premises to be licensed are more than 600 feet from any school or church; and
WHEREAS, the New Jersey Department of the Treasury, Division of Taxation, has approved and issued an Alcoholic Beverage Licensee Clearance Certificate (Transfer); and
WHEREAS, the Township has not received any objection to the transfer of Liquor License No. 1432-44-023-001 to the Applicant; and
WHEREAS, all applicable requirements to transfer a plenary retail liquor license per N.J.S.A. 33:1, et seq., N.J.A.C. 13:2-4.1, et seq., and the Township of Randolph Revised Ordinances §4-1, et seq., have been met, including the payment of all required fees.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Township Council of the Township of Randolph, County of Morris, State of New Jersey, as follows:
1. The application of James B. Grecco for a person-to-person transfer of the Plenary Retail Consumption Liquor License No. 1432-44-023-001 from Mt. Freedom BK, Inc., to be continued as a “pocket license” be and the same is hereby approved.
2. The Mayor and Township Clerk, together with all other appropriate elected and appointed officials and professionals, are hereby authorized and directed to take any and all steps necessary to effectuate the purposes of this Resolution.
3. This Resolution shall take effect immediately.
Authorizing a Person-to-Person Transfer of the Plenary Retail Liquor License From Heritage Golf Club, LLC, to James B. Grecco
R-109-11
WHEREAS, James B. Grecco (“Applicant” or “Transferee”) has submitted an application together with supporting documentation and affidavits for a person-to-person transfer (“Application”) of a Plenary Retail Consumption Liquor License No. 1432-33-007-010 (“Liquor License” or “License”) from Heritage Golf Club, LLC (“Transferor”) to the Applicant in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Township of Randolph (“Township”) and the New Jersey Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control (“ABC”); and
WHEREAS, Notice of the Application was published in the official newspaper of the Township on April 14, 2011, and April 21, 2011, in accordance with the statutory provisions; and
WHEREAS, a police background check has been completed on the Applicant, including a fingerprint check; and
WHEREAS, the Transferor has submitted a Consent to Transfer Liquor License; and
WHEREAS, the New Jersey Department of Treasury, Division of Taxation, has approved and issued an Alcoholic Beverage Licensee Clearance Certificate; and
WHEREAS, there has been no formal objection received by the Township in connection with the Application; and
WHEREAS, the Township sought and obtained additional information in connection with the Application; and
WHEREAS, the contract of sale for the License, which was attached to the Application, states that Heritage Golf Club, LLC is the Seller and Grecco Realty, LLC is the Buyer of the License; and
WHEREAS, the Applicant has submitted to the Township a copy of an Assignment of Contract and Assumption Agreement (“Assignment”) under which the contract to purchase the License has been assigned by Grecco Realty, LLC to James B. Grecco; and
WHEREAS, the Township Attorney has reviewed the Assignment and has determined that the Assignment is satisfactory; and
WHEREAS, the Applicant has disclosed information as to the source of funds for acquiring the License from the current Licensee satisfactory to the Township; and
WHEREAS, the Applicant has submitted a notarized Affidavit of Transferee; and
WHEREAS, the Applicant has submitted a notarized Affidavit of Transferor; and
WHEREAS, the Applicant submitted an affidavit stating that the premises to be licensed are more than 600 feet from any school or church; and
WHEREAS, the New Jersey Department of Treasury, Division of Taxation, has approved and issued an Alcoholic Beverage Licensee Clearance Certificate (Transfer); and
WHEREAS, the Township has not received any objection to the transfer of Liquor License No. 1432-33-007-010 to the Applicant; and
WHEREAS, all applicable requirements to transfer a plenary retail liquor license per N.J.S.A. 33:1, et seq., N.J.A.C. 13:2-4.1, et seq., and the Township of Randolph Revised Ordinances §4-1, et seq., have been met, including the payment of all required fees.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Township Council of the Township of Randolph, County of Morris, State of New Jersey, as follows:
1. The application of James B. Grecco for a person-to-person transfer of the Plenary Retail Consumption Liquor License No. 1432-33-007-010 from Heritage Golf Club, LLC, to be continued as a “pocket license” be and the same is hereby approved.
2. The Mayor and Township Clerk, together with all other appropriate elected and appointed officials and professionals, are hereby authorized and directed to take any and all steps necessary to effectuate the purposes of this Resolution.
3. This Resolution shall take effect immediately.
Manager Lovell’s comments included the following:
Manager Lovell stated that he will schedule time on the next agenda for Mr. Buzak to brief the Council on these issues.
Manager Lovell’s comments included the following:
Questions and comments from the Council included:
Councilman Obremski recused himself from the discussion due to his participation in the Morris County Open Space Committee.
Manager Lovell reported that, at this time, there do not appear to be any worthwhile projects for which to apply for a county grant.
Councilman MacArthur asked if the grants from the County only support the acquisition of open space versus the development or remediation of existing open space.
Councilman Algeier responded that would be a separate application and, in his recollection, the grants are strictly for open space acquisition.
Mayor Mitsch noted that the deadline for application to the County is June 24 which will give the Council some time to consider any worthwhile projects.
Council reviewed and approved of the proposed agenda.
Councilman MacArthur asked that Item B be pulled for further discussion.
Deputy Mayor Guadagno made a motion to approve the Combined Action Items with the exception of Item B. Councilman Obremski seconded the motion, and the following roll call vote was taken:
AYES:
Councilman Algeier
Councilman Loveys
Councilman MacArthur
Councilman Napoliello
Councilman Obremski
Deputy Mayor Guadagno
Mayor Mitsch
NAYS: None
R-110-11
WHEREAS, Block 38 Lot 5, is assessed in the 2011 Tax List for a total of 331,500.00; and
WHEREAS, the property owner was deemed permanently 100% disabled by the Veteran’s Administration as of July 20, 2010. The taxpayer made application on April 7, 2011, resulting in a tax-exempt status for 2011.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the Township of Randolph, County of Morris, that the Tax Collector be authorized to credit the account of Block 38, Lot 5, for the 2011 tax year.
Acted on separately.
R-111-11
WHEREAS, bids were received on April 13, 2011, for the Sussex Turnpike Sewer Extension; and
WHEREAS, eleven bids were received but five used the wrong proposal forms and were immediately rejected; and
WHEREAS, the lowest bid of the remaining six was submitted by Ferraro Construction, Franklin, New Jersey, at a cost of $774,900.00; and
WHEREAS, the Township has decided to substantially revise the specifications and reject all bids pursuant to 40A:11-13.2(d).
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the Township of Randolph, County of Morris, State of New Jersey, that all bids for the Sussex Turnpike Sewer Extension Project be rejected pursuant to 40A:11-13.2(d).
Councilman MacArthur and Manager Lovell briefly discussed the fact that the low bid was rejected due to the omission of the Ownership Disclosure Statement and a Consent of Surety. The second low bidder submitted a bid for an additional $400,000.00.
Deputy Mayor Guadagno made a motion to approve Item B. Councilman Loveys seconded the motion, and the following roll call vote was taken:
AYES:
Councilman Algeier
Councilman Loveys
Councilman MacArthur
Councilman Napoliello
Councilman Obremski
Deputy Mayor Guadagno
Mayor Mitsch
NAYS: None
Resolution Awarding Contract for Senior Center—Library Building Improvements to Evergreen Construction—$2,214,000.00
R-112-11
WHEREAS, bids were received on April 12, 2011, for the Senior Center/Library Building Improvements where four bids were submitted; and
WHEREAS, Evergreen Construction, Edison, New Jersey, submitted the low bid of $1,835,068.00 but neglected to include their Ownership Disclosure Statement and Consent of Surety and therefore must be rejected; and
WHEREAS, ML Inc., Passaic, New Jersey, is the second low bidder and meets all specifications at a total contract price of $2,214,000.00; and
WHEREAS, funds are available for this purpose.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the Township of Randolph, County of Morris, State of New Jersey, that a contract be awarded to ML Inc., Passaic, New Jersey, at a total contract price of $2,214,000.00.
Lee Whilden, 82 Radtke Road, asked that, when the dry lines are installed, can the town have homeowners or developers contribute to the cost.
Manager Lovell responded if there were a developer with an application to build in the area, a developer’s agreement that included a contribution would be appropriate. However, there is no development occurring in the area. When homeowners eventually tie into the system, those connection fees will help to offset the capital cost.
Judith Stewart, 114 Everdale Road, provided a December 2010 article from USA Weekend regarding the harmful effects of smoking and once again asked the Council to consider an ordinance banning smoking on public property, especially when children are present. Mrs. Stewart would like to see such an ordinance introduced in May.
Seeing no one further from the public, the public portion was closed.
Councilman Algeier requested that Potential Litigation and Personnel be added to the Executive Session agenda.
Deputy Mayor Guadagno reported that the County is upset that MAC did not apply for their grant this year.
WHEREAS, Section 8 of the Open Public Meetings Act, Chapter 231, P.L. 1975 (N.J.S.A. 10:4-12) permits the exclusion of the public from a meeting under certain circumstances; and
WHEREAS, this public body is of the opinion that such circumstances presently exist.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the Township of Randolph, in the County of Morris, and State of New Jersey, as follows:
1. The public shall be excluded from the following portion of the meeting.
2. The general nature of the subject matter to be discussed is as follows:
A. Tax Appeals—Fred Semrau and Barbara Gothie (pulled for a future agenda)
B. Westminster v. MCMUA and Randolph (acted on earlier)
C. Potential Litigation and Personnel
3. As nearly as now can be ascertained, the matter or matters to be discussed at this time will be disclosed to the public at such time and under such circumstances as are prescribed by law.
4. At the conclusion of the closed Executive Session, the Council may reconvene in public session for the purpose of taking formal action on matters discussed in closed session or on any other matter as permitted by law.
Councilman Napoliello made a motion to move into Executive Session at 8:50 p.m. Deputy Mayor Guadagno seconded the motion, and the following roll call vote was taken:
AYES:
Councilman Algeier
Councilman Loveys
Councilman MacArthur
Councilman Napoliello
Councilman Obremski
Deputy Mayor Guadagno
Mayor Mitsch
NAYS: None
Councilman Algeier made a motion to return to Open Session at 9:25 p.m. Councilman Obremski seconded the motion, and the following roll call vote was taken:
AYES:
Councilman Algeier
Councilman Loveys
Councilman MacArthur
Councilman Napoliello
Councilman Obremski
Deputy Mayor Guadagno
Mayor Mitsch
NAYS: None
Mayor Mitsch adjourned the meeting at 9:25 p.m.
________________________________
Donna Marie Luciani
Township Clerk