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

Minutes: April 8, 2021

A. OPENING OF REGULAR MEETING

1. Call to Order

A regular meeting of the Randolph Township Council was called to order at 5:00 p.m. by Mayor Forstenhausler. This meeting is held pursuant to the New Jersey Open Public Meetings Act. Adequate and electronic 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, on the main entrance doors to 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 2, 2020, by emailing them the annual resolution adopted by the Council on November 12, 2020. The annual resolution, which included this meeting date, was advertised in the Randolph Reporter, the official newspaper of the Township of Randolph and the Daily Record on December 10, 2020. The amended annual resolution was adopted by the Council on January 21, 2021 and notice was provided by email to the Randolph Reporter, the Morris County Daily Record and TapInto Randolph on January 22, 2021. The amended annual resolution which included this meeting date was advertised in the Randolph Reporter, the official newspaper of Randolph Township and the Morris County Daily Record on January 28, 2021.

2. Roll Call

PRESENT:
Councilwoman Carey -via Zoom
Councilman Loveys -via Zoom
Councilman Nisivoccia -via Zoom
Councilman Tkacs -via Zoom
Councilwoman Veech -via Zoom
Deputy Mayor Potter -via Zoom
Mayor Forstenhausler

Also present: Township Manager Mountain and Township Attorney Edward J. Buzak (via Zoom)

3. Pledge of Allegiance

Mayor Forstenhausler led the Pledge of Allegiance.

B. APPOINTMENTS

1. Appointments to the Board of Adjustment and Economic Development Committee

Councilwoman Carey made a motion to appoint David Bell to fill the unexpired term of James Grimshaw, Greg Johnson to fill the unexpired term of David Bell as Alternate 1, and Lou Asbaty to fill the unexpired term of Greg Johnson as Alternate 2 on the Board of Adjustment.

Councilwoman Veech seconded the motion and the following roll call vote was taken:

AYES:
Councilwoman Carey
Councilman Loveys
Councilman Nisivoccia
Councilman Tkacs
Councilwoman Veech
Deputy Mayor Potter
Mayor Forstenhausler

NAYS: None

Deputy Mayor Potter made a motion to appoint Jessica Lehrer to fill the unexpired term of Erica Metz, Brittany Lazzarino - Owens to fill the position of Alternate 1 and Dylan Park to fill the position of Alternate 2 on the Economic Development Committee (EDC). Councilman Tkacs seconded the motion and the following roll call vote was taken:

AYES:
Councilwoman Carey
Councilman Loveys
Councilman Nisivoccia
Councilman Tkacs
Councilwoman Veech
Deputy Mayor Potter
Mayor Forstenhausler

NAYS: None

C. OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Seeing and hearing none, the public portion was closed.

D. MANAGER’S REPORT

COVID-19 Update - The number of reported COVID-19 cases in Randolph continues to trend higher. This trend is following state and national case reporting trends. Since the council’s last regular meeting the township has had 230 new cases reported, including 6 new confirmed cases today. Randolph’s total number of cases is now up to 1,815. Locally, the cases tend to be in the lower age demographics; many of the cases involving older individuals have reported that their exposure was a result of contact with a household member under the age of 21. He reminded everyone of the importance of social distancing, mask wearing, and adherence to travel and gathering restrictions.

COVID-19 Vaccination Rollout - As of today over 3.1 million people have received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine in New Jersey and over 348,274 in Morris County. The vaccine rollout has continued to ramp up as increased vaccine supply has allowed the state to expand eligibility criteria for vaccinations. Information on obtaining a vaccination can be found on the town, county and state websites or by calling the state COVID hotline number. The Randolph “Covid Angels” volunteer group organized by the Deputy Mayor has also expanded their program to include anyone in the community who may need assistance in securing a vaccination appointment. He commended the group for their efforts and the outstanding work they were doing for the community.

Millbrook Retaining Wall - The contractor for the retaining wall replacement project has been making excellent progress. Installation of the larger wall facing Millbrook Avenue as well as the smaller wall that wraps around Fords Road will be completed this week. The remaining site work is expected to be completed early next week. The new wall greatly improves the appearance of this intersection.

Recreation Project Update - Contractors working with the Parks and Recreation Department continue to make progress on two large recreation projects currently underway.

Freedom Park Baseball Field - The contractor working on the baseball field drainage and infield upgrade is nearing completion on his work. He is laying down the sod in the infield and outfield areas and seeding the areas not scheduled for sodding tomorrow. This will complete the scheduled construction work. The field will remain closed for approximately six weeks to allow the sod and seed to take and should be reopened for play in May.
Brundage Field Lighting replacement - The contractor has set the majority of the new poles for the replacement lighting at the Brundage fields. Two poles remain to be set. In these areas the contractor has hit rock and they are working to address what needs to be done to install the poles. They plan to remove the existing poles in the next few days. The contractor plans to finalize the remaining pole installations and install the new lights and associated electrical service in the next two to three weeks. The field is expected to be reopened for play by early May at the latest.

E. APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES

1. Approving the Regular Council Meeting Minutes from February 18, 2021

Councilwoman Carey made a motion to approve the Regular Meeting minutes for February 18, 2021. Deputy Mayor Potter seconded the motion and the following roll call vote was taken:

AYES:
Councilwoman Carey
Councilman Loveys
Councilman Nisivoccia
Councilman Tkacs
Councilwoman Veech
Deputy Mayor Potter
Mayor Forstenhausler

NAYS: None

F. COMBINED ACTION RESOLUTIONS

R-78-21 Supporting an application by Morris Habitat for Humanity to the NJ Dept. of Community Affairs, New Jersey Affordable Housing Trust Fund Program- for the purpose of developing approximately 25 units at 42 Bennett Ave
R-79-21 Release Police Detail Escrow to Top Line Construction Corp - $1,312.15
R-80-21 Suspending the collection of fees, interest, or late charges for past due water and sewer utility payments during the public health emergency
R-81-21 Refund balance of premium due for Tax Sale Certificate #20-07 for Block 145, Lot 59 - 236 Millbrook Ave., to ATCFII New Jersey, LLC Tax Serv - $100,000.00
R-82-21 Authorizing the Settlement of Certain Residential and Commercial Tax Appeals for 2020 and 2021 - 5 Quail Run, Block 47, lot 7.04 - Todd Sawyer - proposed settlement $1,000,000.
R-83-21 Recognizing April 2021 as Celebrate Diversity Month

Councilman Tkacs made a motion to approve the Combined Action Resolutions. Councilman Nisivoccia seconded the motion, and the following roll call vote was taken:

AYES:
Councilwoman Carey
Councilman Loveys
Councilman Nisivoccia
Councilman Tkacs
Councilwoman Veech
Deputy Mayor Potter
Mayor Forstenhausler

NAYS: None

G. UPCOMING EVENTS

Clean Communities Day, Saturday, April 24, 2021
Confidential Paper Shredding, Saturday, April 24, 2021 from 9:00 am - 12 noon in the Municipal Building parking lot at 502 Millbrook Avenue
Operation Drug Take Back Collection, Saturday, April 24, 2021, from 10 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. outside of the ACME at the corner of Millbrook Avenue and Sussex Tpke.
Grand Opening/Ribbon Cutting for Silver Lake Physical Therapy at 1201 Sussex Tpke. Randolph, on Tuesday, May 4, 2021, at 5:00 p.m.
Community Garage Sale - Clean Up and Clean Out - April 24, 2021 and April 25, 2021 - 9am to 4pm - Register online at randolphnj.org

G. ORDINANCES: SECOND READING/PUBLIC HEARING

1. Ordinance No. 08-21 an Ordinance Amending Ordinance No. 04-20 to Provide and Determine the Range of Compensation for Specified Employees in the Township of Randolph

BE IT RESOLVED, that an Ordinance entitled “An Ordinance Amending Ordinance No. 04-20 to Provide and Determine the Range of Compensation for Specified Employees in the Township of Randolph” be read by title on second reading and a hearing held thereon.

Manager Mountain explained that this ordinance establishes and sets forth the salaries for the Township employees listed therein that will be in effect starting January 1, 2021.

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Seeing and hearing none, the public session was closed.

BE IT RESOLVED, that an Ordinance entitled, “An Ordinance Amending Ordinance No. 04-20 to Provide and Determine the Range of Compensation for Specified Employees in the Township of Randolph” be passed on final reading and that a Notice of Final Passage of said Ordinance be published in the official designated newspaper according to law.

Councilwoman Veech made a motion to adopt the ordinance. Councilwoman Carey seconded the motion, and the following roll call vote was taken:

AYES:
Councilwoman Carey
Councilman Loveys
Councilman Nisivoccia
Councilman Tkacs
Councilwoman Veech
Deputy Mayor Potter
Mayor Forstenhausler

NAYS: None

2. Ordinance No. 09-21 to Amend and Supplement Ordinance No. 03-21 Provisions of Subtitle One of Title 39 with Various Traffic Regulations Applicable to the Gas Station/Convenience Store (WAWA) on Lots 2 and 5 in Block 137, 358 Route 10 West, Regulating the Use of Said Roadways, Streets, Driveways, Parking Lots by Motor Vehicles and Amending and Supplementing Article III, Section 31-52; Article IV, Division 4, Section 31-133; Article V, Section 31-205 and Article X, Section 31-323 of Chapter 31, Traffic and Vehicles, of the Revised Ordinances of the Township of Randolph, Morris County, New Jersey

BE IT RESOLVED, that an Ordinance entitled “An Ordinance to Amend and Supplement Ordinance No. 03-21 Provisions of Subtitle One of Title 39 with Various Traffic Regulations Applicable to the Gas Station/Convenience Store (WAWA) on Lots 2 and 5 in Block 137, 358 Route 10 West, Regulating the Use of Said Roadways, Streets, Driveways, Parking Lots by Motor Vehicles and Amending and Supplementing Article III, Section 31-52; Article IV, Division 4, Section 31-133; Article V, Section 31-205 and Article X, Section 31-323 of Chapter 31, Traffic and Vehicles, of the Revised Ordinances of the Township of Randolph, Morris County, New Jersey” be read by title on second reading and a hearing held thereon.

Manager Mountain explained that this ordinance amends and supplements Ordinance No. 03-21 and Chapter 31 of Traffic and Vehicles to include enforceable regulations pertaining to general parking, stop intersections, left turn prohibitions, reserved parking spaces, prohibition of parking zones, tow away zones, loading zones, et al.

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Seeing and hearing none, the public session was closed.

BE IT RESOLVED, that an Ordinance entitled, “An Ordinance to Amend and Supplement Ordinance No. 03-21 Provisions of Subtitle One of Title 39 with Various Traffic Regulations Applicable to the Gas Station/Convenience Store (WAWA) on Lots 2 and 5 in Block 137, 358 Route 10 West, Regulating the Use of Said Roadways, Streets, Driveways, Parking Lots by Motor Vehicles and Amending and Supplementing Article III, Section 31-52; Article IV, Division 4, Section 31-133; Article V, Section 31-205 and Article X, Section 31-323 of Chapter 31, Traffic and Vehicles, of the Revised Ordinances of the Township of Randolph, Morris County, New Jersey” be passed on final reading and that a Notice of Final Passage of said Ordinance be published in the official designated newspaper according to law.

Councilman Loveys made a motion to adopt the ordinance. Councilman Nisivoccia seconded the motion, and the following roll call vote was taken:

AYES:
Councilwoman Carey
Councilman Loveys
Councilman Nisivoccia
Councilman Tkacs
Councilwoman Veech
Deputy Mayor Potter
Mayor Forstenhausler

NAYS: None

I. DISCUSSION

1. 2021 Road Program Recommendation

Manager Mountain explained that the 2021 Road Overlay Program Recommendations have been distributed to the council and made available for public access. The recommendations include an alphabetical and priority order inventory. The inventory breaks down how roads were evaluated and includes comments that relate to the condition of the roads, paving history, and other items relevant to the analysis. He explained that the road rankings were determined by the same methodology used in previous years. Rankings incorporated the perspectives of the Township Engineering Department and Public Works Department.

He stated that the recommendation and its associated documents were reviewed by the Council Infrastructure Work Group. The Infrastructure Work Group has completed its review and endorsed the recommendations after some elements of the program were adjusted. The goal for this discussion item is to answer any questions that the council may have; if the council is satisfied, arrangements would be made for an ordinance to support the program.

Councilwoman Veech commented that she has driven down some of the roads and has examined the rankings on the inventory. She stated that the process was a great way for the DPW to conduct their analysis of the road conditions. She thanked Manager Mountain and asked him to inform the people involved with the project that their work was appreciated.

Councilman Loveys commented that the Infrastructure Work Group recognized that the process was not an exact science; however, over the years the program and analysis for roads have been fine-tuned to the point where the township has a relatively confident list and process. He congratulated and thanked the Department of Public Works Director, the Township Engineering Administrator, and the township for maintaining a positive relationship with New Jersey Natural Gas (NJNG), which allowed for few more roads to be added to the program.

Councilwoman Carey echoed Councilman Loveys’ comments. She stated that the township staff did a great job conducting a comprehensive analysis of the township’s roads. She agreed that it was smart to work with the NJNG. She concluded her comment by stating that it was a well-run operation.

Mayor Forstenhausler agreed that the program’s progress was good and that it has been consistent throughout the years. He commented that some surrounding towns did not keep an annual maintenance program, and the results showed, as roads left alone after some time tended to be in bad shape. He stated that the township has been steadily improving all the roads and that he was happy with the direction of the program. He appreciated the help and support that went into the process.

Councilman Tkacs made a motion to approve the recommendations. Councilwoman Veech seconded the motion, and the following roll call vote was taken:

AYES:
Councilwoman Carey
Councilman Loveys
Councilman Nisivoccia
Councilman Tkacs
Councilwoman Veech
Deputy Mayor Potter
Mayor Forstenhausler

NAYS: None

J. OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Seeing and hearing none, the public session was closed.

K. COUNCIL COMMENTS

Councilwoman Carey reported that the Cannabis Work Group had met twice since the last Township Council meeting. She shared that one of the meetings focused on how the committee would be gathering information from a public forum, which is scheduled for April 28, 2021. She explained that the committee would give a brief 5 to 10-minute presentation on the issues facing the township and that for the rest of the meeting they would serve as silent listeners. She shared that a second forum was tentatively scheduled for June; the forum will focus on the cannabis community survey that has been launched by the group to capture input from residents and business owners in Randolph. There will be questions about each business type, the electronic survey will be available for 6 weeks and it will be reported through the township’s various communication channels. Print copies will be available at the library upon request. The committee is looking to get input from as many people as possible.

Councilman Loveys stated that he had nothing to report.

Councilman Nisivoccia reported that he attended a Municipal Alliance Committee (MAC). He shared that the MAC has scheduled two upcoming events that will be promoted on social media. The first event would be taking place at the middle school on Thursday, April 29. The second event will involve mental health first aid training and will be held on June 8 and June 10.

He reported that he attended a Liberty Tree Committee meeting. He explained that the committee was in discussion with Manager Mountain to finalize a memorandum. The committee will be visiting the Department of Public Works on Saturday, April 10, to examine how the tree has aged and to evaluate its readiness for potential projects.

Councilman Tkacs reported that the Planning Board approved two resolutions; the first resolution being for Dickerson Dentals’ application for more basement space, and the second being for Center Grove Village’s application to remove the pool and build a clubhouse in its place.

He reported that the Recreation Advisory Committee had not yet met and that the DISC and Cannabis groups continued to meet weekly.

Councilwoman Veech reported that the Community Garden Committee met on Monday, March 30. The Community Garden continues to get up and running; the water at the garden would be turned on over the weekend. She commented that the garden had more activity as gardeners have been visiting to prepare their beds.

She attended the Cannabis Work Group meetings that Councilwoman Carey reported on.

She shared that the Township’s Community-Wide Garage Sale was relayed to the Randolph Reporter and TapInto Randolph. She welcomed participants to join her in donating a portion of the proceeds to the Randolph Food Pantry. She was happy that 64 people had signed up.

She attended the Wildlife Management Advisory Committee meeting on March 24. She reported that the hunt was over and that the committee was working on new rules and regulations for the next season.

She reported that she attended a Traffic Advisory Committee meeting, during which the committee discusses the traffic issues at WAWA and the Ironia Elementary School. She explained that people were ignoring the no left turn traffic sign at WAWA even though the area was clearly marked. She stated that the Police Department was aware of the issue and they are in discussion with the Township Engineer. She reported that the police have been giving warnings in the area to try and correct the behavior.

She explained that there have been issues with the afternoon pick-up traffic at Ironia Elementary School. The police have been present in the area to try to alleviate some of the issues and help with traffic flow.

Mayor Forstenhausler asked if the Traffic Advisory Committee noticed any improvements since WAWA installed additional signage and traffic paint.

Councilwoman Veech informed Mayor Forstenhausler that Officer Biase’s comments were generally encompassing for the past few weeks, including after the installations were added; people are still saying that they did not see the writing or signage. She could not recall if he mentioned an increase or decrease, but she did comment that people were still trying to make a left when it was visible not to.

Mayor Forstenhausler responded that it was disappointing because WAWA worked with the town to add additional traffic signs and painted lettering. He stated that they would have to keep an eye on the area.

Deputy Mayor Potter reported that the Environmental Landmarks Advisory Committee met on March 23. The committee was working to create community awareness and education for recycling and the new plastic bag ban which would be in effect on May 12, 2022. Several public announcements are planned to be released on the township’s communication channels.

She reported that the DISC is now working with Hanover Research on the development of a community survey. She shared that a school-focused survey was released today to Randolph students, families, and BOE staff members. The township survey will follow after the completion of the BOE-focused survey.

She reported that the Randolph COVID-19 volunteers were continuing to secure vaccination appointments for members of the community. Last week, the group opened its volunteer services to other municipalities. She shared that the volunteers were close to celebrating their 400th vaccination appointment. Vaccine-eligible residents can reach out to the group for help; contact information is on the front page of the township website.

Mayor Forstenhausler reported that the Infrastructure Work Group finalized the Road Resurfacing Program list that was passed this evening by the council. He stated that the Ordinance Work Group was continuing to work on a new ordinance to establish a committee to address bias and diversity. The workgroup is also contacting other municipalities to learn from their experiences as well. He attended a Safety Committee meeting in the morning, during which the group reviewed all incidents and accidents for the first quarter of 2021.

On Monday, April 5, he met with Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill, along with Deputy Mayor Potter, Manager Mountain, EDC Chair John Ragan, and Randolph Area Chamber of Commerce President Kevin Keller, to discuss federal aid to small businesses. He shared that the group visited Mt. Freedom Golf and Antimos Pizzeria to hear about the challenges they face as a result of COVID-19 and to discuss the American Rescue Plan. He stated that the Treasury Department would soon release more information about the specifics of the federal assistance. He shared that he presided over a marriage ceremony the previous weekend. It was the first ceremony of the year, as it had been delayed due to the pandemic.

Councilman Loveys recognized R-83-21 under the Combined Action Resolutions. He stated that April was a celebration of diversity month. In light of the social unrest in the country and the negative experiences of some Randolph residents, he thought it was right to recognize the resolution as it verbalizes the township’s commitment to denouncing any form of racism, bias, or any act that goes counter to individuals facing negative experiences because of their background and culture. He stated that the township stood with these individuals and that the township should be together as one community. He commented that hopefully the community would become even more unified through these actions and through the ways each individual conducts themselves. He strongly felt that April should be recognized in celebration of diversity month.

Mayor Forstenhausler thanked Councilman Loveys. He explained that R-83-21 Recognizing April 2021 as Celebrate Diversity Month was the sixth item on the Combined Action Resolutions.

L. 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. Update EA Porter/Habitat for Humanity Project-Contract Negotiations
b. Teamsters Collective Bargaining Update

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.

Councilwoman Veech made a motion to move into Executive Session at 5:41 p.m. Councilwoman Carey seconded the motion, and the following roll call vote was taken:

AYES:
Councilwoman Carey
Councilman Loveys
Councilman Nisivoccia
Councilman Tkacs
Councilwoman Veech
Deputy Mayor Potter
Mayor Forstenhausler

NAYS: None

Councilman Tkacs made a motion to close Executive Session at 6:05 p.m. Councilwoman Veech seconded the motion and the following roll call vote was taken:

AYES:
Councilwoman Carey
Councilman Loveys
Councilman Nisivoccia
Councilman Tkacs
Councilwoman Veech
Deputy Mayor Potter
Mayor Forstenhausler

NAYS: None

M. ADJOURNMENT

Councilwoman Carey made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:05 pm. Councilwoman Veech seconded the motion, and the following roll call vote was taken:

AYES:
Councilwoman Carey
Councilman Loveys
Councilman Nisivoccia
Councilman Tkacs
Councilwoman Veech
Deputy Mayor Potter
Mayor Forstenhausler

NAYS: None