All meeting minutes posted on the township website are unofficial minutes. Official copies of minutes may be obtained from the township clerk.

Minutes: April 4, 2023

A. OPENING OF REGULAR MEETING

1. Call to Order

A regular meeting of the Randolph Township Council was called to order at 6:00 p.m. by Mayor Nisivoccia. This meeting held pursuant to the New Jersey Open Public Meeting 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 in 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 15, 2022, by emailing them the annual resolution adopted by the Council on December 8, 2022. The annual resolution, which included this meeting date, was advertised in the Randolph Reporter and the Daily Record on December 22, 2022. Notice was also provided to TapInto Randolph, the official Township online digital publication, on December 21, 2022.

2. Roll Call

PRESENT:
Councilmember Forstenhausler
Councilmember Hathaway
Councilmember Potter
Councilmember Veech - arrived at 8:05 p.m.
Deputy Mayor Carey
Mayor Nisivoccia

ABSENT: Councilmember Elbaum

Also Present: Township Manager Greg Poff and Township Attorney Ed Buzak

3. Pledge of Allegiance

Mayor Nisivoccia led the Pledge of Allegiance.

B. OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Seeing and hearing no one, the public session was closed.

C. MANAGER'S REPORT

Manager Poff reported the following:

Traffic advisory update - The Millbrook Avenue/Quaker Church Road traffic study has been completed. The study was referred to the Traffic Advisory Committee for consideration at its February 7 meeting. The traffic study and signal warrant analysis were completed by Morris County's consultant T&M for the Sussex Turnpike Corridor.

Environmental guidebook - Previously referred to as the Environmental Action Plan; the township's consultant delivered the first draft of the report on Tuesday, January 17. The committee provided its comments to the consultant on March 29. The consultant is reviewing the comments and will be reaching out to schedule a time to discuss revisions and the next steps with the committee.

Brundage Park lighting project - This project has been completed. The transformer was installed by the contractor in March, and JCP&L completed its connection last week. Recreation Director Russ Newman has been out to confirm that the lights are working.

Stormwater permit funding opportunity - The township is seeking $25,000 to assist with implementing enhanced requirements imposed by the State of New Jersey. The grant program is funded through the Corporate Business Tax. The funds may be used for the adoption of stormwater-related ordinances, implementation of a street sweeping program, implementation of a municipal maintenance yard, development of best management practices, completion of an MS4 infrastructure map, implementation of an illicit discharge detection and elimination program, required employee training, and completion of watershed improvement plans.

Cybersecurity and information technology upgrades - In addition to the installation of a new municipal building wireless network, the township is aggressively pursuing compliance with the joint insurance fund's cybersecurity checklist. It is expected that the township will comply with these best practices no later than June 30.

Community-wide garage sale & spring bulk pick-up - The community-wide garage sale event will take place on Saturday, April 22, and Sunday, April 23, 2023, rain or shine, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Online registration will be open until Friday, April 14, 2023. The form asks for the participant's name, address, contact information, and the date or dates of participation (April 22nd, April 23rd, or both days). A total of 84 participants are currently registered.

Spring bulk collection week begins Monday, April 24, and ends on Friday, April 28. Items must be placed curbside by 6:00 a.m. Monday, April 24. For this collection, Blue Diamond will be through each street only one time. Please note that this collection is an extension of the one-item-of-bulk-trash per weekly curbside collection service available to residents throughout the year. Items accepted include non-metal furniture, couches, mattresses, box springs, rugs/carpeting (rolled and tied in four-foot lengths).

Purchase township property - The township has been approached by the current owner of 9 Birch Street (Block 80, Lot 11) who is interested in purchasing the adjacent property (Block 80, Lot 10) owned by the township. In consultation with the Township Attorney, letters have been sent to eligible, adjacent property owners to solicit bids for the purchase of this township property. The bids are due back to the township no later than April 17.

D. PROCLAMATION

Mayor Nisivoccia read the following proclamations into the record:

1. Presenting Proclamation to Randolph Resident Patrick Glory for winning the National Collegiate Athletic Association Wrestling Championship

Patrick Glory was presented with a proclamation acknowledging his achievements within the National Collegiate Athletic Association Wrestling Championship. Police Chief Will Harzula congratulated Mr. Glory, and presented him with a Challenge Coin from the Randolph Township Police Department.

2. Presenting Proclamation to the Randolph Police Department Supporting the 2023 UDrive-UText-UPay- Distracted Driving Crackdown from April 1 - 30, 2023.

Officer Richard Biase was presented with a proclamation acknowledging the UDrive-UText-UPay Distracted Driving Crackdown campaign.

E. APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES

1. Approving the Regular Council Meeting Minutes for March 2, 2023

Councilmember Potter made a motion to approve the Regular Meeting Minutes of March 2, 2023. Councilmember Hathaway seconded the motion, and the following roll call vote was taken:

AYES:
Councilmember Forstenhausler
Councilmember Hathaway
Councilmember Potter
Councilmember Veech
Deputy Mayor Carey
Mayor Nisivoccia

NAYS: None

ABSENT: Councilmember Elbaum

F. COMBINED ACTION RESOLUTIONS

Item #3, R-82-23, Endorsing an Application for a TWA for the Heller Group - Proposed Retail Building at 2A West Hanover Ave., Block 119.03, Lot 1 - Manager Poff explained that the Tax Collector reported that the delinquent listing for tax sales is not finalized. The tax sale is anticipated to be held on or about September 13. The tax sale listing is estimated to be finalized by July 15. He reported that there were currently 50 tax accounts and 240 utility accounts that are delinquent for 2022. He reminded the council that the state suspended the municipalities from imposing any delinquencies during the Covid-19 Pandemic. That relief has now since expired, and as a result the township will be looking to bring the utility accounts current.

1. R-80-23 Release of Police Detail Escrow to Ready Set Go Adventures - $468.80

2. R-81-23 Refund Tax Sale Certificate #2022-011 for Block 72, Lot 1 - 8 Davis Avenue - $2,653.15

3. R-82-23 Authorizing the Tax Collector to Sell All Municipal Liens through December 31, 2022

4. R-83-23 Endorsing an Application for a TWA for the Heller Group - Proposed Retail Building at 2A West Hanover Ave., Block 119.03, Lot 1

5. R-84-23 Extending Contract for Electrical Subcode Inspection Services for One Additional Year - Not to Exceed $125,000.00

CERTIFICATION OF AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS

Dated: April 4, 2023

As required by N.J.S.A. 40A:4-57, N.J.A.C. 5:30-5.3-5.5, and any other applicable requirement, I, Deborah Bonanno, Director of Finance for the Township of Randolph, have ascertained that funds will be available, subject to annual appropriation and adoption in the 2023 municipal budget, to award a contract with Building Inspection Underwriters, Inc. of Feasterville, PA for providing Electrical Subcode Inspection services as detailed in the contractor's response provided to the Township's public bid solicitation.

Deborah Bonanno
Chief Financial Officer
Budget Accounts: 01-201-22-200-300 2023 (not to exceed $125,000)

6. R-85-23 Awarding a Contract for On-Site Brush Grinding Services to Frank Galbraith Son Excavation and Demolition LLC - Not to Exceed $75,000.00

CERTIFICATION OF AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS

Dated: April 4, 2023

As required by N.J.S.A. 40A:4-57, N.J.A.C. 5:30-5.3-5.5, and any other applicable requirement, I, Deborah Bonanno, Director of Finance for the Township of Randolph, have ascertained that funds will be available, subject to annual appropriation and adoption in the 2023 municipal budget, to award a contract to Frank Galbraith & Son Excavation and Demolition, LLC for providing On-Sire Brush Grinding as detailed in the contractor's response provided to the Township's public bid solicitation.

Deborah Bonanno
Chief Financial Officer
Budget Accounts: 01-201-26-300-309 2023 (not to exceed $75,000)

7. R-86-23 Authorizing Randolph Township's request for funding the MAC Grant being sent to the Governor's Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse for the Fiscal Grant Year 2023 - $20,506.00

8. R-87-23 Refunding a Portion of Recreation Department Program Fees Due to a Variety of Reasons for Several Residents - Total $4,025.00

9. R-88-23 Authorizing Submission of a Supplemental Funding application to the Morris County Commissioners stating that the Township will provide a 50% match in the amount of $1,000.00 to the Municipal Alliance Committee (MAC)

10. R-89-23 Authorizing Grant Application for up to $25,000.00 to the NJDEP to Assist in Meeting Requirements of the Updated Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System

11. Raffle License: Off-Premise Merchandise Greek Orthodox Community Center - 1447 Sussex Turnpike Randolph, NJ 07869 on September 24, 2023, 1:00 p.m.

Councilmember Forstenhausler made a motion to approve the Combined Action Resolutions. Councilmember Veech seconded the motion, and the following roll call vote was taken:

AYES:
Councilmember Forstenhausler
Councilmember Hathaway
Councilmember Potter
Councilmember Veech
Deputy Mayor Carey
Mayor Nisivoccia

NAYS: None

ABSENT: Councilmember Elbaum

G. UPCOMING EVENTS

1. Kite Adventure, at Veterans Community Park on Saturday, April 15, 2023, from 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
2. "Hidden in Plain Sight" Program by the Municipal Alliance Committee, Wednesday, April 19, 2023, at 7:30 p.m. at the Community Center, 30 Calais Road, Randolph
3. Little League Opening Day, at Freedom Park on Saturday, April 22, 2023, 9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. (Parade Ceremony 9:15 a.m.- 9:45 a.m.)
4. Bike Rodeo, at Veterans Community Park on Saturday, April 22, 2023, from 3:00 p.m. -5:00 p.m.
5. Library Music Event: The Kootz - Traveling Wilburys Tribute, Sunday, April 23, 2:00 p.m.
6. Community Garage Sale, April 22-April 23, 2023 - 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. - Rain or Shine
7. Clean Communities Day, Saturday, April 29, 2023 - Advanced Registration Required 973-989-7050
8. Paper Shredding, Town Hall, 502 Millbrook Avenue, Randolph, Saturday, April 29, 2023, from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
9. Council Only - Grand Opening/Ribbon Cutting, Chabad Center for Jewish Life, 26 West Hanover Avenue, Sunday, April 30, 2023, at 11:00 a.m.
10. Habitat for Humanity's Women Build Week Kickoff - on Friday, May 5, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. on Bennet Ave.
11. Council Only - Community Garden Meeting and Reception, Community Center on Calais Road, Friday, May 12, 2023, from 6:30 p.m.- 8:00 p.m.
12. Artworks Reception at Town Hall, Thursday, May 18, 2023, 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
13. Arts in the Park, Veterans Community Park, 100 Calais Road, Randolph on May 20, 2023, from 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
14. Randolph Memorial VFW Post 7333, Annual Memorial Day Ceremony, Monday, May 29, 2023, 11:00 a.m. at Post 7333 Building, 103 Carrell Road, Randolph, 07869
15. Habitat for Humanity Bennett Avenue Dedication of Completed Buildings, Thursday, June 1, 2023, at 11:00 a.m.

H. OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Jim McConnell of 45 Carrell Road wished the council a happy easter.

Matthew Mench of the Boy Scouts shared that he is working towards obtaining his merit badge.

Seeing and hearing no one further, the public portion was closed.

I. COUNCIL COMMENTS

Councilmember Potter reported that the Environmental and Landmarks Advisory Committee met on Tuesday, March 28. She shared that over 50 people attended the meeting and that the schools' various environmental groups were invited to present their environmental projects. Some of the groups included the Center Grove Garden Club, the Fernbrook Green Club, the Middle School Green House Club, and the High School Green Club.

She reported that the committee was continuing to monitor the Recycle Coach App data. This month, the app reported that there were 482 total users in Randolph, 175 of which were new since the last report in March. She added that there had been over 2,509 app interactions and 97 material searches.

She concluded her report by providing a summary of NJ211 data. To date, there have been 744 information requests through NJ211 from Randolph residents. The top information searches for the app were for housing and shelter, and subcategories of rental systems, low-cost housing, and shelters.

Deputy Mayor Carey asked if the public members were invited to the Environmental and Landmarks Committee meeting. Councilmember Potter shared that the school groups were invited to present their ideas.

Councilmember Hathaway referred to the Sussex Turnpike Corridor Study and commended the Morris County Engineering Office for their attention to detail and speed in conducting the study. He stated that he was pleased to see the data-driven decisions, the results of the traffic studies, and the analysis of anticipated traffic patterns. He explained that the intersection issue was at the right-hand turn from West Hanover Avenue onto Sussex Turnpike. He added that there would be minimal mitigation of the light signaling; the effort is anticipated to lower the level of service interruption in the area.

He shared that he was participating in the Morris County Chamber of Commerce's LEAD Morris Program. In the past month, the program participants have attended a criminal justice event and met with the Morris County Prosecutors Office and Morris County Sheriff James Gannon.

Councilmember Forstenhausler attended the Municipal Alliance Committee (MAC) meeting on Wednesday, March 29. The committee discussed the upcoming Hidden in Plain Sight event. He shared that the committee was looking into potential programs for 2023. A few events included the youth and adult Mental Health First Aid training, the 15 Minute Child Break event, and the Yoga on the Go program. He concluded his report by sharing that the School Health Fair is scheduled for Friday, April 14.

Councilmember Veech had nothing to report for this meeting.

Deputy Mayor Carey commented that the Recreation Volunteer Award program was well organized. She commended the Recreation Department for hosting a great event.

Mayor Nisivoccia thanked the Economic Development Committee for organizing the All-State Grand Opening event held a few weeks prior. He shared that he visited Brightview Senior Living to congratulate Randolph centenarian Evelyn Krensky on her 100th birthday,

J. 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 Executive portion of the meeting.

2. The general nature of the subject matter to be discussed is as follows:

A. 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 Executive Session, the Council may or may not reconvene in public session for the purpose of taking formal action.

Councilmember Potter made a motion to move into Executive Session at 6:40 p.m. Councilmember Veech seconded the motion, and the following roll call vote was taken:

AYES:
Councilmember Forstenhausler
Councilmember Hathaway
Councilmember Potter
Councilmember Veech
Deputy Mayor Carey
Mayor Nisivoccia

NAYS: None

ABSENT: Councilmember Elbaum

Deputy Mayor Carey made a motion to close the Executive Session at 7:00 p.m. Councilmember Forstenhausler seconded the motion, and the following roll call vote was taken:

AYES:
Councilmember Forstenhausler
Councilmember Hathaway
Councilmember Potter
Councilmember Veech
Deputy Mayor Carey
Mayor Nisivoccia

NAYS: None

ABSENT: Councilmember Elbaum

K. ADJOURNMENT

Councilmember Forstenhausler made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:00 p.m. Councilmember Veech seconded the motion and following roll vote was taken:

AYES:
Councilmember Forstenhausler
Councilmember Hathaway
Councilmember Potter
Councilmember Veech
Deputy Mayor Carey
Mayor Nisivoccia

NAYS: None

ABSENT: Councilmember Elbaum