All meeting minutes posted on the township website are unofficial minutes. Official copies of minutes may be obtained from the township clerk.
Minutes: April 26, 2012
A work session of the Randolph Township Council was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Mayor Guadagno. 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 5, 2011, by emailing them the annual resolution adopted by the Council on December 1, 2011. 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 8, 2011.
PRESENT:
Councilman Loveys
Councilwoman Mitsch—arrived 7:30 p.m.
Councilman Napoliello
Councilman Obremski
Councilwoman Veech
Deputy Mayor MacArthur—arrived 7:05 p.m.
Mayor Guadagno
Also Present: Township Manager John Lovell, Township Attorney Edward Buzak, and Keli Gallo from the Law Office of Edward Buzak.
Mayor Guadagno led the Pledge of Allegiance.
MANAGER’S REPORT PROCLAMATION
Manager Lovell stated that VFW representatives were in attendance and they were kicking off the Buddy Poppy sales for the season.
Mayor Guadagno presented the Proclamation to members of Veterans of Foreign War Post 7333.
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 this 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, Michael Guadagno, 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, 2012 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.
A VFW member thanked everyone for their support.
APPROVAL OF COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES FROM 2012:
(1) Regular Meeting Minutes
A. February 23, 2012
Councilwoman Veech made a motion to approve the minutes as presented. Councilman Obremski seconded the motion, and the following roll call vote was taken:
AYES:
Councilman Napoliello
Councilman Obremski
Councilwoman Veech
Deputy Mayor MacArthur
Mayor Guadagno
NAYS: None
ABSTAIN:
Councilman Loveys
Councilwoman Mitsch
B. March 1, 2012
Councilwoman Veech made a motion to approve the minutes as presented. Councilman Obremski seconded the motion, and the following roll call vote was taken:
AYES:
Councilman Loveys
Councilman Napoliello
Councilman Obremski
Councilwoman Veech
Deputy Mayor MacArthur
Mayor Guadagno
NAYS: None
ABSTAIN: Councilwoman Mitsch
C. March 15, 2012
Councilwoman Veech made a motion to approve the minutes as presented. Councilman Loveys seconded the motion, and the following roll call vote was taken:
AYES:
Councilman Loveys
Councilman Napoliello
Councilwoman Veech
Deputy Mayor MacArthur
Mayor Guadagno
NAYS: None
ABSTAIN:
Councilwoman Mitsch
Councilman Obremski
D. March 29, 2012
Councilwoman Veech made a motion to approve the minutes as presented. Councilman Obremski seconded the motion, and the following roll call vote was taken:
AYES:
Councilman Napoliello
Councilman Obremski
Councilwoman Veech
Deputy Mayor MacArthur
Mayor Guadagno
NAYS: None
ABSTAIN:
Councilman Loveys
Councilwoman Mitsch
(2) Executive Meeting Minutes
A. January 26, 2012
Councilwoman Veech made a motion to approve the minutes as presented. Councilwoman Mitsch seconded the motion, and the following roll call vote was taken:
AYES:
Councilman Loveys
Councilwoman Mitsch
Councilman Napoliello
Councilman Obremski
Councilwoman Veech
Deputy Mayor MacArthur
Mayor Guadagno
NAYS: None
B. February 11, 2012
Councilwoman Veech made a motion to approve the minutes as presented. Councilman Loveys seconded the motion, and the following roll call vote was taken:
AYES:
Councilman Loveys
Councilwoman Mitsch
Councilman Napoliello
Councilman Obremski
Councilwoman Veech
Deputy Mayor MacArthur
Mayor Guadagno
NAYS: None
C. March 1, 2012
Councilwoman Veech made a motion to approve the minutes as presented. Councilman Obremski seconded the motion, and the following roll call vote was taken:
AYES:
Councilman Loveys
Councilwoman Mitsch
Councilman Napoliello
Councilman Obremski
Councilwoman Veech
Deputy Mayor MacArthur
Mayor Guadagno
NAYS: None
D. March 15, 2012
Councilwoman Veech made a motion to approve the minutes as presented. Councilwoman Mitsch seconded the motion, and the following roll call vote was taken:
AYES:
Councilman Loveys
Councilwoman Mitsch
Councilman Napoliello
Councilwoman Veech
Deputy Mayor MacArthur
Mayor Guadagno
NAYS: None
ABSTAIN: Councilman Obremski
E. March 29, 2012
Councilman Obremski made a motion to approve the minutes as presented. Councilman Napoliello seconded the motion, and the following roll call vote was taken:
AYES:
Councilwoman Mitsch
Councilman Napoliello
Councilman Obremski
Councilwoman Veech
Deputy Mayor MacArthur
Mayor Guadagno
NAYS: None
ABSTAIN: Councilman Loveys
F. April 3, 2012
Councilwoman Veech made a motion to approve the minutes as presented. Councilwoman Mitsch seconded the motion, and the following roll call vote was taken:
AYES:
Councilman Loveys
Councilwoman Mitsch
Councilman Napoliello
Councilwoman Veech
Deputy Mayor MacArthur
Mayor Guadagno
NAYS: None
ABSTAIN: Councilman Obremski
COMBINED ACTION ITEMS
Councilwoman Mitsch made a motion to approve the Combined Action Items. Councilman Obremski seconded the motion, and the following roll call vote was taken:
AYES:
Councilman Loveys
Councilwoman Mitsch
Councilman Napoliello
Councilman Obremski
Councilwoman Veech
Deputy Mayor MacArthur
Mayor Guadagno
NAYS: None
A. Approval of Revised and Updated Employee Manual
R-129A-12
WHEREAS, the Township of Randolph wishes to update the sections of the Personnel Manual/Employee Handbook to Include the Mandatory Language from JIF, to Reflect the Changes to the Health Benefits System and Make All Contract Uniform, and to Include Rules Regarding Part-Time Personnel.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Governing Body of the Township of Randolph that the revised policy to the Employee Manual is accepted and approved.
B. Special Permit for Social Affair, Randolph Engine Company #5, Shongum, 118 West Hanover Avenue, Randolph, NJ on October 6, 2012 from 7:00 p.m. to 11:59 p.m.
DISCUSSION ITEMS
A. COAH—Amended Spending Plan
Manager Lovell introduced Robert Michaels, the Planning Consultant for Randolph Township.
Mr. Michaels presented the following summary for the Affordable Housing Trust Fund Spending Plan for 2012 that was previously distributed to the Council members:
- There is currently a spending plan already at the Council on Affordable Housing, but we wanted to amend it to reflect some more recent conditions and activities that the Township wants to fund to the housing plan. This proposal will be submitted to the Council on Affordable Housing to amend our current spending plan.
- There is currently $1,500,000.00 in the Trust Fund. In this plan we have to project how much is going to be collected and how much is going to be within the Trust Fund from this period to 2018 since that is the planning period.
- Page 2 of the Spending Plan shows a projection of funds that are going to be generated from approved development within the community. That is based on 1% of the improvement of the equalized value of the improvements of approved residential development because the state has suspended funding from non residential development. The second portion of that is projected development that is not approved and basically that’s what we could anticipate new residential development in the community to 2018. The figure that was generally used was five dwelling units a year because the number of single family homes that are being constructed on existing lots has been about that amount so that’s the figure that we used for that 1% figure. We also added to that figure interest that would accrue. So that would give us a little under $2,000,000.00 to the end of 2018.
- COAH has some requirements for spending, one is that 30% of the amount of money that is generated is devoted to what’s known as affordability assistance. That includes projects that could be assistance in buying down or down payment assistance, condo fees for affordable units and other matters such as that as well as a third of that 30% is to help very low units become affordable and by very low units, that less than 30% of median income.
- Page 6 contains a chart summarizing the projects that have been identified. Those are the Habitat for Humanity project on Bennett Avenue ($1,100,000.00), extending the affordability controls for Woodmont dwellings that come off of controls in 2014 ($40,000.00), and the rehabilitation of existing units within the community ($190,000.00). There’s also the affordability assistance which is a little over $800,000.00 and is split between the years 2012 and 2018. Within that affordability assistance figure we also have a designated $300,000.00 to subsidize special needs housing within the community. This was a Governor’s project that was identified some months ago that we submitted, and to which this Council has adopted a resolution.
- We must show all the money expended by the end of the planning year. Therefore, there may be monies left over and this can be adjusted as it goes along. Shown in the summary on the final page, is the balance as of December 31st, the projected revenue to be generated in development fees, the amount of interest anticipated, and the previously mentioned expenditures.
Manager Lovell stated that time is critical because the State of New Jersey is going to take money from those towns that do not have approved plans by July of this year. The Manager stated that if the Council was comfortable with the plan, to endorse it so it can be submitted to COAH for approval in order to protect our resources for Randolph projects. If necessary, the plan can be amended at a later date.
The following questions were posed by the Mayor and Council members and answered by Mr. Michaels:
Q. Is the $190,000.00 for the rehab of houses like buying up foreclosed houses?
A. No, that’s existing homes that are occupied by families that qualify and could be eligible for grants for this money for projects that are not cosmetic such as heating systems, roofs, etc. And in order for us to get credit, and the town has an obligation to rehab 34 units within this period, so in order for the town to get credit it has to be at least $10,000.00 worth of rehabilitation work on an existing home.
Q. Is there an existing list or does one need to be created?
A. No, you have to advertise so that people know the funds are available. They can inquire about it and if they qualify, they can be eligible for this funding.
Q. Can we buy COAH credits with the $300,000.00 for the special needs?
A. That is the program that we learned about late last year through Deputy Commissioner Betty Lou DeCroce; that will buy a group home in Randolph, and you get credits for the group home. (Mr. Michaels): The credit is per bedroom rather than per unit, one credit per bedroom.
Q. Can we buy the credits themselves, if the home exists then we would buy the credits, but we would have to buy the home to get the credits?
A. We don’t buy the home, there is an agency at the state that will coordinate the
sale. But there are a number of non-profit agencies that can come forward and make contact with Randolph and acquire homes.
Q. Can we buy COAH credits with this money?
A. This money is to create more special needs housing. Those that are there will stay there, they will have continuing credit.
Q. In Section 5 we’re making a commitment to bond for any shortfall in funds in the future. And when I go up to the Source of Funds Schedule on Page 2, we’ve got $128,000.00 in projected development costs. Why are we projecting funds then committing to spending them, and then committing to borrowing money if those funds don’t come in as projected.
A. That $128,000.00 is based upon an average of five new homes a year beyond those that are already approved in sub-divisions. The wording, as far as covering excess or shortfall of funds, was taken from the old plan. If you’re uncomfortable with that, we can have a statement that we feel the funding we have is adequate and we don’t foresee any shortfall. They may accept that since COAH has allowed other communities to do that, and they did accept that in the past for another community. If you’re uncomfortable with that language, it can be changed and see if they agree. If they don’t, then they’ll ask to have it changed back.
Q. In 2014 we have the Woodmont extension of $40,000.00; why is it just a one-time thing?
A. That is when those controls expire, therefore it is one-time and it is the earliest that it could be expended. That was the number that was used before, but that could also be almost a revolving fund because if a unit becomes available, the municipality could purchase the unit and then resell it as an affordable unit. It may extend beyond that, but there may not be more than that amount of money because it would be replenishment.
Councilman Napoliello made a motion to approve the amendment to the spending plan. Deputy Mayor MacArthur seconded the motion, and the following roll call vote was taken:
AYES:
Councilman Loveys
Councilman Napoliello
Councilman Obremski
Councilwoman Veech
Deputy Mayor MacArthur
Mayor Guadagno
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Councilwoman Mitsch
B. Highlands Council Map
Mr. Robert Michaels stated that there were four maps, two of which had no changes. There is one drafting error which will be corrected, but the map reflects what was discussed at the previous meeting on the Mt. Freedom center. The only change in what was previously discussed was the second map related to the South Salem Highlands redevelopment center which includes the Doosenbury property. The Doosenbury property shown on the right side was not in the original center designation that was amended.
Manager Lovell stated that he didn’t expect any authorizations, but he wanted to provide the Council the opportunity to ask Mr. Michaels questions. The Highlands strategy will need to be revisited in view of the personnel changes.
C. Shongum Lake Home Owner’s Association—Catch Basin Filters—John Ragan
Manager Lovell introduced John Ragan, a resident of Shongum and Civil Engineer, to present to the Council information on a catch basin system.
Mr. Ragan reported that Shongum Lake has spent the last few years looking at ways to proactively and effectively capture sediment laden hill slope run off and be cost effective. Mr. Ragan brought in a handout, and an example of, FLEXSTORM Inlet Filters. He was asking about the possibility of doing a pilot program in order to determine how the filters function and what they would require from the inspection and cleaning standpoint. The filters come in various forms and materials, and the one presented cost less than $300 per filter. Shongum Lake has purchased a couple of the filters and would like to work with Township representatives to put them in place and do a pilot study to determine their value. Mr. Ragan would be the person in Shongum to make observations and report back to Manager Lovell. If the pilot program was successful, Mr. Ragan would work with Township representatives to identify critical areas. Since there are a lot of catch basins in town, it would be too costly to implement all at once. If critical areas are identified, the Township could begin to implement them throughout the town and improve water quality. It could also be determined how these filters might benefit the town’s compliance to the NJ rules for storm water management.
Councilman Napoliello asked what the Town would have to do at this point.
Manager Lovell reported that there would be a maintenance function associated with the filters. He supports the pilot program to determine how much maintenance would be needed as well as a cost benefit analysis.
Mr. Ragan also reported other possible uses such as for water main breaks, water from the de-watering bin can go through the filter and the sediment would be captured. Another potential use would be for run off in new developments when the site is initially being disturbed.
Manager Lovell stated that he wanted the Council to be aware that the pilot program at Shongum Lake was going to happen this year and they would report their findings back to the Council.
D. Butterworth Interceptor Phase II Design
Manager Lovell reported that Phase I has been designed and its final bid specification is in review; summer construction will likely go into the fall. Phase I is a very substantial portion of the project that entirely stays on municipal roadways or existing easements in Morris Township, going all the way down to the Butterworth Treatment Plant. The Manager gave more background as to what happened with the Kushner Corporation and the EPA. They revisited a concept from several years ago, the concept of a gravity line that would travel from our boundary with Morris Township, down Sussex Turnpike, up Lake Drive in Morris Township, and connect to the Phase I project. The Manager stated that the project was taken back from Kushner Corporation and it’s a different project now. The Township is going to undertake the design and development of this project, and is willing to negotiate with Kushner on a fair share contribution towards the project. We are at a point of selecting an engineer after having received proposals from four very good firms. Any one of the firms is capable of designing a sewer line. Two high bids, which were substantially more expensive than the two lower bids, were eliminated. The two lower contract numbers were submitted by Ferriero Engineering and Suburban Consulting Engineers. Paul Ferriero is our consulting engineer in the Township; however, he had nothing to do with the entire bid process. Mr. Ferriero was completely kept out of the loop, the bid process was coordinated by the Manager and Ralph Carchia. When looking at the two low bids, prepared by Ferriero and Suburban, we had them both go back out and amend their proposals to allow for a look at the inverted siphon and determine if it can work and the cost of designing that in lieu of going through and inquiring or condemning easements in another community. Both Paul Ferriero and Suburban felt that it could work and amended their contracts. Manger Lovell reported that neither knows what the other bid, Ferriero Engineering came in at $70,500.00 and Suburban Consulting Engineers came in at $69,850.00. After some discussion about the two bidders, the Manager recommended Paul Ferriero for this contract. He reported that there will also be other sets of eyes on this project. All the work that’s in Morris Township will be reviewed by the Morris Township engineering consultant, which is Hatch Mott MacDonald. In addition, Morris County is going to review this project closely because it’s going right down Sussex Turnpike. Manger Lovell stated that there are two areas where there’s liability, the inverted siphon since it has to be right or there will be odor problems coming from the pipes, and the issue of hitting rock. Both Paul Ferriero and Suburban are aware of the rock issue. Manager Lovell recommended Paul Ferriero but stated that it is ultimately the Council’s decision and he was open to the possibility of them interviewing the engineers.
Councilman Napoliello expressed concern over the possible perception of the selection.
Manager Lovell stated that he would have no problem swearing under oath the process he had just outlined. Paul Ferriero had no insight into this process, nor did he know that the Manager was going to recommend him for the project.
E. White Tailed Deer Population
Manager Lovell stated that the next portion of the meeting would be a combination of two events. We are going to discuss the white tailed deer population and also open the meeting to the public for Sue Grassmeyer and her group to make a presentation.
OPEN PUBLIC SESSION
Susan Grassmeyer, from Forest Rd. stated that she’s lived in Randolph since 1970. She read a letter on behalf of The Concerned Deer Control Advocates of Randolph.
Dear Mayor Guadagno, Members of the Town Council, and Township Manager, John Lovell,
As expressed in our four areas of concern below, and confirmed by the recent deer population survey conducted by the NJ Division of Fish and Wildlife, the rapidly growing herd in Randolph is an extremely serious matter. With the possibility of 500 new fawns being born in Randolph this spring, we are here to request immediate action to reduce the deer population which is spiraling out of control. With a 30% to 40% population increase each year, we can expect approximately 1,871 deer in Randolph this summer. That number must be reduced to 200 or less to regain a healthy and safe environment for the residents of Randolph and for the regrowth of the wooded and landscaped areas.
We have four main areas of concern:
Lyme disease has become a serious health concern in Randolph. With the warm winter, the number of deer ticks is expected to escalate. A single deer can carry about 500 ticks and each adult female tick can lay 3,000 eggs. Programs carried out in Maine and Connecticut show conclusively that when deer numbers are reduced sufficiently, Lyme disease is reduced dramatically. We the residents of Randolph have family members and neighbors who have suffered from this disabling and sometimes life threatening disease. Many of us have been treated numerous times for deer tick bites and Lyme disease and we fear for the safety of our children as they play in our yards, woods, ball fields, and parks.
Deer related car accidents are a constant threat to the safety of the Randolph residents especially for inexperienced teenage drivers. 172 deer carcasses were removed from Randolph roads in 2011, the second highest number in Morris County. At an average rate of $5,600 for deer collision car repair, that is nearly $1,000,000. Only 10 to 25% of deer related car accidents are reported to the police. People have been killed in deer related accidents in Morris County making the large herd in Randolph a threat to our safety and to the safety of those driving through our town.
Forest destruction is escalating in Randolph. The deer have devastated the understory! In much of our town, the floor of the wooded areas has the same appearance winter and summer. The hungry deer eat the new sprouts when they emerge in the spring. Seedlings must survive to replace our beautiful trees as they mature and die. Barberry and other foreign invasive plants and grasses are creeping in and choking out the possibility of restoring our woods to its former beauty. Trees, native plants, seedlings, small animals, birds, and nesting sites are endangered in Randolph.
Landscaped areas have become a major target for the hungry deer. Many thousands of dollars have been spent by residents in an effort to control the deer with sprays and fences while unsuccessfully replacing trees, shrubs, annuals and perennials which are continually devoured by the herd. Reduced property values, and not being able to enjoy our yards fully, has caused extreme frustration to property owners. Many of us remember, ten years ago, when our beautiful yards would have sold our homes. At present, many of us feel our yards would prevent us from selling our homes due to deer tick infestation and plant destruction!
For the reasons above, we come to you this evening to implore you, as the guardians of our town, to seriously review the recommendations found in the packet, and quickly institute a plan of action which can be up and running on the first day of the 2012 hunting season. We look forward to the day when we can recapture the Randolph we once knew as a place “Where Life is Worth Living.”
Sincerely,
The Concerned Deer Control Advocates of Randolph
Sue Grassmeyer stated that she had one more item to read:
“Why are we here? We are here to request the town council to take direct responsibility for a program to insure that 650 deer will be removed from Randolph during the upcoming hunting season, and in subsequent seasons, in order to achieve a sustainable deer population of about 200 deer within five years.
A report from the State of NJ indicated that 299 tagged deer were removed from Randolph last year. This number included 69 from Randolph Parks and public land, 25 from Clyde Potts area, and 59 from the James Andrews Park by County Park hunters. The remaining 146 were taken by hunters on various private properties.
172 deer carcasses were removed from Randolph roads last year bringing the total to 471 deer removed from Randolph.
If last year’s results can be matched, an additional 179 deer must be hunted to reach the goal of 650 deer removed from Randolph in a single year.” So we have to go above and beyond by 179 deer. She thanked the Council.
Lee Whilden, 82 Radtke Rd. asked if the changes of the limit for hunting has helped or hindered. She also noted the large number of bow hunters in attendance.
Manager Lovell reported that when Sue Grassmeyer and her group came to the Council a number of years ago, the problem was addressed by creating a committee that reported to the Parks Committee and dealt with deer on public land. However, the deer population has not been declining, it has been getting worse. He stated that the concept of limiting it to the public land is not going to be enough to fix the problem. The issue needs to be revisited and a new strategy needs to be developed. The Manager felt the State of NJ did something very wise a year back when they introduced cross-bows for hunting and reduced distances be maintained from private homes. He feels that a lot of our deer population lives in these little wooded strips within neighborhoods. Sue Grassmeyer approached the Manager a year ago and together they worked on mapping; on a list of property owners. Manager Lovell felt that if you can put groups together that have these continuous properties, with wooded areas where the deer are bedding down, and bring in a bow hunter to do some cleaning, the result could have a very real impact. It’s a matter of getting neighbors together, mapping, and getting hunters working with the neighbors.
Ms. Grassmeyer stated that she supplied the Council with a list of seven recommendations. She thought that the Council could read them and discuss them at a later time. She expressed that her group had discussed it in depth and had done a lot of research.
Mark Weiss from United Bowhunters of NJ stated that they have successfully turned around many communities that were in the same situation. He stated that they have a very strong list of community references, and they can offer $5,000,000.00 in primary liability insurance. Mr. Weiss reported that there is no cost to the community, but to make this program successful, the hunters must be encouraged to take more deer, more antlerless deer. Remove the females and the population is going to come down. The only way to do that is by donating large portions of venison. He felt that that’s where the Township has to step up and decide if they are going to budget to do this since the hunters can’t be expected to use their equipment, use their bait, put in all the time, and then pay to have the deer processed and donated to a food bank.
Mayor Guadagno asked if Russ Newman should be involved.
Manager Lovell stated that there is a deer subcommittee under the Parks Committee and that he thinks there should be a conversation with them and that Russ could be part of that conversation.
Deputy Mayor MacArthur felt that what the Council could do is direct the deer subcommittee to consider this idea of connecting willing property owners and willing hunters. Ask them to explore having the Township facilitate the contact between residents and hunters: who would do it, how much would it cost, etc. Ask them to define a plan for accomplishing this in time for the upcoming hunting season, and report back to the Council. He thought this could be accomplished if the Council gave specific direction, with a timeframe, and then let the deer subcommittee do the work.
A question was raised as to how much it typically costs to butcher a deer. Mr. Weiss responded that the average price is between $75 and $100 per deer. He stated that his program is time tested and time proven and the liability to the Township is zero except paying for the processing. Mr. Weiss said that all that is needed is a contact person at the Township for residents to request contact numbers of authorized hunters.
John Spano, owner of the Randolph Garden Center, stated that he has had a deer check station there for the last four years. He felt that there are enough hunters in the town to address the issue at no cost to the Township. He suggested doing small deer drives in the small areas. All that would be needed is permission from the property owners to allow the hunters to walk through their property. The deer would be pushed to an area where hunters would be set up. The hunters would be able to butcher the deer themselves at no cost to the town. Also, quotas would need to be set so that they kill a set number of antlerless deer before they can kill the buck which would ensure the goal of decreasing the population.
Ms. Grassmeyer expressed her concern that in the past, the deer subcommittee got lost in the shuffle, she felt they should report directly to someone on the Council. She also was concerned that there wasn’t another deer subcommittee meeting for two months. Councilman Obremski stated that they can decide to have a meeting anytime. Another of Ms. Grassmeyer’s concerns was the number of deer that were taken previously. Other towns had a much higher ratio of deer to hunters.
Deputy Mayor MacArthur asked Mr. Spano if his group of hunters were different from Mr. Weiss’ group. Mr. Spano stated that they are local hunters, not really a group.
Resident Ray Cavanaugh stated that, as a senior citizen, he takes great pride in how his residence looks and it has become increasingly more difficult from a financial aspect to manage deer control.
Councilwoman Veech asked if there was an urgency and when decisions need to be made. Ms. Grassmeyer stressed that there is urgency since the hunting season opens on September 8th and at least two to three months of planning are needed.
Mr. Weiss stated that his group runs a highly organized program, and whenever they bring in participants, they always draw from the local residents first. He also stated that decisions need to be made by the beginning of June since it takes sixty days to put a program together.
Don Bost, owner of Sun High Orchards and resident of Forest Rd. expressed his concern about the health issue related to deer. He described the poor health of his daughter from being infected with Lyme Disease fifteen years ago. He stated that Lyme Disease can be a debilitating disease, and in addition to the other issues previously expressed about the deep population, it is also a health issue. He encouraged the addition of a Health Department representative on the deer subcommittee, in addition to Parks and Recreation.
A resident from Clover Lane expressed his concern over the low numbers of deer taken in the past, and that taking 170 deer this year would be low. He felt that aggressive action needs to be taken.
There was more discussion related to requiring hunters to kill a specific number of antlerless deer before they could kill a buck. The number of deer killed can be determined from the hunters checking in the deer.
A question was raised regarding liability in the event of a problem. Mr. Spano stated that each hunter carries their own liability insurance. Once the property owner gives permission to the hunter, the hunter’s insurance is in effect, not the homeowner’s insurance. A resident asked how much liability Mr. Spano carries and he stated one million dollars.
Mr. Weiss stated that his group carries five million dollars in primary liability and they have a twenty year track record.
Councilwoman Veech asked Mr. Spano if the local hunters would work with Mr. Weiss’ group if the Township went with Mr. Weiss’ group. Mr. Spano replied that they would have to discuss it since they don’t know much about the group and their process.
Mayor Guadagno stated that the Council will keep the issue on their agenda beginning with the next meeting.
Seeing no one further from the public, the public portion was closed.
F. Leasing of Municipal Properties
Tabled to the next meeting on May 3, 2012.
OPEN TO PUBLIC
Judith Stewart, 114 Everdale Road had abstained when discussing the deer population, but wanted to express her concern about the loss of the native plant understory. She agreed that something needs to be done about the deer population.
Seeing no one further from the public, the public portion was closed.
COUNCIL AND MANAGER COMMENTS
Councilman Napoliello attended the Community Service meeting. The Helping Neighbors program helped four residents. He reported that the Senior Olympics is going to be on May 15th and the Senior Picnic is on June 19th.
Deputy Mayor MacArthur stated that he and Councilman Loveys met with the group about the deer issue. The group suggested taking the Deer Subcommittee out of Parks and having it report directly to the Council. Deputy Mayor MacArthur felt that it should be decided by the next Council meeting. Since there isn’t currently a Parks Chairperson nor a Deer Subcommittee Chairperson, the timing is ideal to form a subcommittee with a parks representative, a health representative, and possibly a traffic representative which would give it a little more of a broad base. He asked if Councilman Loveys was willing to be the liaison. Councilman Loveys stated he is willing, and suggested also including a representative from environmental. Deputy Mayor MacArthur clarified that he was not trying to create a new committee, but instead take the existing subcommittee and make it a committee reporting directly to the Council.
Mayor Guadagno thought it was a good idea, but asked for time to think about the suggestion.
After some discussion about Deer Subcommittee representatives, it was decided that Councilman Loveys, Councilwoman Veech, and Deputy Mayor MacArthur would serve on the Subcommittee with Deputy Mayor MacArthur serving as Chairperson.
Councilman Loveys stated that he attended an Environmental Committee meeting. He reported that Steve O’Mara has been sick now for some time and is at Kessler. Also, there is a bench dedication May 8th, 7 p.m., Freedom Park. The first one will be at the big baseball field by Millbrook Avenue for Ryan Steidle. The second one will be on the upper soccer field for a relative of the Tomarus Family.
Councilwoman Veech reported that earlier in the day she was with Deputy Mayor MacArthur, Councilman Loveys, and Manager Lovell at the “Complete Streets” workshop to discuss Center Grove Rd. and Route 10. The group visited the site along with two representatives from the NJDOT, the Complete Streets Principal Planner, a gentleman that does intersection design, and someone from the North Jersey Transportation; there were fourteen representatives. The group walked the entire four corners, took pictures, and made observations. They came up with some quick wins which should make the intersection a lot safer. A significant issue is the cost. The Principal Planner is going to file a report.
Manager Lovell reported that the group did come up with some design concepts which is eliminating one of the walks completely because it’s unsafe. A series of improvements could be determined that would stay within the budget of the Discretionary Sidewalk Grant. The Manager also suggested talking to the County and suggesting to them that the Township come up with a concept and ask for their insight on the concept. If the County gave the Township some preliminary design information, it could then be submitted as a grant application under the discretionary program.
Councilwoman Veech also reported that she attended a meeting on the 21 Club/Open Mike Night. Also attending were the President of the Rotary Club, the Kiwanis, Mike Mitsch, John Herold from the EDC/Rotary, Russ Newman, Manager Lovell, and David and Kim Bowles, who were the ones that came up with the open mike night. David and Kim Bowles, as well as the Lions Club, the Rotary, and the Kiwanis are going to think about how to create this in Randolph. They will report back to the Council with suggestions. Councilwoman Veech also stated that there will be a tour of CCM on Monday, April 30th at 3:30 p.m. with Dr. Yaw if anyone else would like to join her.
Councilman Napoliello asked Manager Lovell about the large number of trees removed from a property on Dover Chester Road, between Stonehill Rd. and Rt. 10.
Manager Lovell stated that he sent the inspectors out to count the stumps to determine if they are in violation. They did not have a permit so action will be taken.
Mayor Guadagno reported that he went to see the new Environmental Center at Fernbrook School. He met with the “Green Team,” they gave him a tour of the center, and a shirt they had signed. The new center looks nice, it is educational, and they were very proud. The Mayor also reported that a working seminar for Complete Streets will take place at the Police and Fire Academy on the morning of April 30th if anyone is interested in attending.
Manager Lovell asked that Council members bring their calendars for September and October to the May 3rd meeting so dates can be determined for the dedications of the renovated buildings. He told the Council members that they were welcome to take tours of the buildings and to call him if they were interested.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
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. Council Memo #19-12
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 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 9:25 p.m. Councilman Loveys seconded the motion, and the following roll call vote was taken:
AYES:
Councilman Loveys
Councilwoman Mitsch
Councilman Napoliello
Councilman Obremski
Councilwoman Veech
Deputy Mayor MacArthur
Mayor Guadagno
NAYS: None
Councilman Napoliello made a motion to return to Open Session at 9:50 p.m. Councilman Obremski seconded the motion, and the following roll call vote was taken:
AYES:
Councilman Loveys
Councilwoman Mitsch
Councilman Napoliello
Councilman Obremski
Councilwoman Veech
Deputy Mayor MacArthur
Mayor Guadagno
NAYS: None
ADJOURNMENT
Councilman Napoliello made a motion for adjournment at 9:50 p.m. Councilman Obremski seconded the motion, and the following roll call vote was taken:
AYES:
Councilman Loveys
Councilwoman Mitsch
Councilman Napoliello
Councilman Obremski
Councilwoman Veech
Deputy Mayor MacArthur
Mayor Guadagno
NAYS: None
______________________________
Donna Marie Luciani
Township Clerk