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

Minutes: February 17, 2022

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 Potter. 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 November 19, 2021, by emailing them the annual resolution adopted by the Council on November 18, 2021. 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 November 24, 2021.

2. Roll Call

PRESENT:
Council Member Carey
Council Member Forstenhausler
Council Member Loveys
Council Member Tkacs
Council Member Veech - via phone
Deputy Mayor Nisivoccia
Mayor Potter

Also Present: Township Manager Steve Mountain, and Township Attorney Ed Buzak from Buzak Law group (via phone)

3. Pledge of Allegiance

Mayor Potter led the Pledge of Allegiance.

B. OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Todd Schleifstein of 20 Helene Drive addressed recent action taken by Randolph Township School Superintendent Fano and the Randolph Board of Education that affected the Jewish community. He stated that he was aware that the council was reluctant to involve itself in school matters, but he hoped that the council would agree that this issue transcended that context as the BOE's recent action sent the message that Jews were not welcome in the community; in addition to threatening a decrease in property values and again making the township a subject of ridicule and derision throughout the state as it was following the Columbus Day fiasco in June 2021.

He explained that back in the fall, Superintendent Fano proposed, and the BOE approved, a school calendar for the 2022-2023 school year that for the first time in 30 years, no longer included the second day designated off for the Jewish holiday Rosh Hashanah. He explained that Jewish residents would have to choose between allowing their children to observe the holiday and their children missing out on critical instruction and learning during the school day. He stated that no coherent explanation for the decision has been offered and that the decision was challenged at three consecutive BOE meetings with a variety of speakers sharing concerns and the consequences of the short-sighted, unnecessary decision. He referenced the BOE's survey, commenting that it was under-inclusive, had leading questions, and was drafted by an unqualified school district employee. He stated that despite the survey's flaws, it demonstrated that there was a significant percentage of residents and faculty who were in favor of retaining the second day.

He reported that during the most recent BOE meeting, 37 people spoke in favor of keeping the second day off for Rosh Hashanah and no one spoke against it. In addition to hearing from members of the Jewish community, the BOE heard from Senator Anthony Bucco, Assemblyman Brian Bergen, other local elected officials, local Rabbis from all three major sects of Judaism, a representative from the American Jewish Committee, a former board member, and a large number of non-Jewish residents. He explained that the resolution that was introduced to resolve the issue and restore calm and peace was shut down. He suggested that the dismissal was due to the superintendent and the petulance of the offending BOE members who refused to admit their mistake and listen to the needs of the community they were elected to serve.

He shared that one board member justified her vote by saying that the BOE could make up for it by trying not to schedule sporting events on the second day of Rosh Hashanah and another justified their vote by stating that the community had not spoken up because all 26,000 Randolph resident did not express an opinion on the subject.

He asked the council for their assistance and asked them to stand by their Jewish neighbors and constituents to tell the BOE that the decision was inconsistent with the values that Randolph holds dear. He asked the council to condemn the hateful message and assist with closing the doors on the rising tide of anti-Semitism that is fueled by similar actions. He thanked the council for their time.

Mayor Potter acknowledged that the Township Council is a separate entity from the BOE. She stated that the township has been working on diversity initiatives and has been working with members of the Jewish community and other religious groups to make sure the town is a welcoming community. She thanked Mr. Schleifstein for his comments.

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

C. MANAGER'S REPORT

Manager Mountain reported the following:

Federal Infrastructure Grant Opportunities - He and Mayor Potter participated in a virtual briefing on the Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act by Congresswoman Sherrill's Office on Wednesday, February 16. The recently adopted federal legislation package contains a wide range of grant funding opportunities for state, county, and local governments to pursue. During the briefing, speakers from the US DOT and the NJ Transportation Planning Authority provided additional details on the various grant programs to be funded by the legislation, most of which fall under the general categories of transportation, infrastructure (roads, bridges, water, sewer, storm-water, and broadband), energy efficiency, environmental protection, and hazard mitigation. The briefing highlighted the opportunities and provided guidance on where to find specific details. The Congresswoman's Office has established a full-time staffer to coordinate with local officials on the grant application process and promised to continue the forums in the coming year as more becomes known about each grant package. At this time, the township is reviewing the various grant opportunities internally and will be following up directly with the staffer on the programs that appear most applicable. At this time there are no applicable programs open as of yet for the township to apply to; he anticipated that would change by mid-year.

Meadowbrook Pump Station Project Update - The Township's Engineering and Water/Sewer Administrator Wayne Corsey reviewed the stated of the Meadowbrook Pump Station project earlier in the day. The shop drawing review process has been completed and all the materials for the project are expected to be delivered by the beginning of March. The project contractor, CFM, is scheduled to return to complete the work during the first week of March, weather permitting. The project should be complete by early to mid-April.

Municipal Cell Tower Update - He has been working closely with Township Planning and Zoning Administrator Darren Carney and Township Purchasing Agent Liz Crescibene to finalize the bid package for the solicitation of additional cellular carriers for the municipal building communication tower. The tower owner, Gaelic Communications, has advised that several carriers have expressed interest in the location and are expected to submit bids when the package is released. The bid package will be available by the month's end to have a bid award recommendation to present to the council by early to mid-April.

Combs Hollow Bridge Update - He spoke with the Morris County Bridge Department for a status report on the Combs Hollow Bridge replacement project. He was advised that the division was still finalizing the plans and required easements for the project. Upon the completion of that work, the plans will have to be reviewed by the NJ Historic Preservation Office. Though the department is hopeful that the project will be going out to bid this year, no firm time commitment was given. The department did reiterate its commitment to meeting with the town before the project goes out for public bidding.

Sewer Master Plan - Suburban Engineering has completed the final draft of the township's sewer master plan. The draft will be distributed to the Council Infrastructure Work Group in the next week; it will be reviewed with Suburban during the first week of March. If all goes well with the workgroup's review a final plan will be distributed to the council for a public presentation by Suburban and discussion at a meeting in March or early April.

D. APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES

Council Member Forstenhausler made a motion to approve the Regular Meeting minutes for January 27, 2022. Council Member Loveys seconded the motion and the following roll call vote was taken:

AYES:
Council Member Carey
Council Member Forstenhausler
Council Member Loveys
Council Member Tkacs
Council Member Veech
Deputy Mayor Nisivoccia
Mayor Potter

E. COMBINED ACTION RESOLUTION

Item #6, R-57-22 Authorizing Change Order #1 to the Professional Services Agreement Awarded to Apruzzese, McDermott, Mastro & Murphy P.C. for Police General Legal, Hearings, and Police Contract Negotiations Services - Council Member Tkacs asked about the changes in this item. Manager Mountain explained that every year the township allocates a blanket number for this item as the activities the consultant will be engaged in is unknown. He explained that this year, there are a couple of disciplinary items, one of which is extensive. Those items carried over the amount that was put in initially.

1. R-52-22 Authorizing Shared Services Agreement for Randolph to provide Rockaway Borough with Animal Control Services for 2022 - $12,448.00
2. R-53-22 Authorizing Shared Services Agreement for Randolph to provide the Town of Dover with Animal Control Services for 2022 - $104 per hour at a minimum of 400 to 624 hours per year
3. R54-22 Refund partial registration for child to attend summer day camp due to parent registering for incorrect camp to Adesoye Faruni - $1,130.00
4. R-55-22 Authorizing the Default and Rescission of MCCPC Contract #16 - Office Supplies from Office Concepts Group
5. R-56-22 Awarding a contract for Farm Road and Arnold Drive and Sanitary Sewer Project to John Garcia Construction Co., Inc. - $288,170.30

CERTIFICATION OF AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS

Dated: February 17, 2022

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 are available to award a contract in the amount of $288,710.30 to John Garcia Construction Co. Inc., Clifton, NJ for the Farm Road & Arnold Drive Sanitary Sewer Project as detailed in the contractor's response provided to the Township's public bid solicitation.

Deborah Bonanno
Chief Financial Officer
Capital Account: 08-215-55-919-302

6. R-57-22 Authorizing Change Order #1 to the Professional Services Agreement Awarded to Apruzzese, McDermott, Mastro & Murphy
7. R-58-22 Authorizing the Trade-In or Surplus Township Property No Longer Needed for Public Use
8. R-59-22 Authorizing the Settlement of Certain Residential Tax Appeals for 2018 of $989,200.00 and 2019 of $933,800.00
9. Raffle License: Off Premise Merchandise Car Raffle, St. Matthew the Apostle Parish, 335 Dover Chester Road, Randolph, on June 26, 2022, at 11:45 a.m.

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

AYES:
Council Member Carey
Council Member Forstenhausler
Council Member Loveys
Council Member Tkacs
Council Member Veech
Deputy Mayor Nisivoccia - (Abstained to R-52-22 and R-53-22)
Mayor Potter

NAYS: None

F. UPCOMING EVENTS

1. Morris Habitat for Humanity Hearts and Hammers Gala - Virtual only on Saturday, February 26, 2022 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:15 p.m.

Council Member Tkacs added that there a Randolph Rotary event would be held on Sunday, February 27, 2022. Mayor Potter informed the public that the next budget meeting would be held on Saturday, February 26, 2022.

G. ORDINANCES: SECOND READING/PUBLIC HEARING

1. Ordinance No. 01-22 Accepting a Sight Triangle Easement over a Portion of Block 16, Lot 4 on the Official Tax Map of the Township of Randolph from US Green Homes, LLC

BE IT RESOLVED, that an Ordinance entitled, An Ordinance Accepting a Sight Triangle Easement Over a Portion of Block 16, Lot 4 on the Official Tax Map of the Township of Randolph from US Green Homes, LLC, be read by title on second reading and a hearing held thereon.

Manager Mountain explained that the purpose of this ordinance is to accept the conveyances of a sight triangle easement over a portion of Block 16, Lot 4 on the Official Tax Map of the Township of Randolph from US Green Homes, LLC, to maintain safe and adequate sight distance at the corner of Park Avenue and Pleasant Hill Road.

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Seeing and hearing none, the public session was closed.

BE IT RESOLVED, that an Ordinance entitled, An Ordinance Accepting a Sight Triangle Easement Over a Portion of Block 16, Lot 4 on the Official Tax Map of the Township of Randolph from US Green Homes, LLC, 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.

Council Member Forstenhausler made a motion to adopt the ordinance. Council Member Tkacs seconded the motion, and the following roll call vote was taken:

AYES:
Council Member Carey
Council Member Forstenhausler
Council Member Loveys
Council Member Tkacs
Council Member Veech
Deputy Mayor Nisivoccia
Mayor Potter

NAYS: None

2. Ordinance No. 02-22 An Ordinance Amending and Supplementing Section 31-75, No Parking Certain Hours, of Chapter 31, Traffic and Vehicles of the Revised Ordinances of the Township of Randolph

BE IT RESOLVED, that an Ordinance entitled, An Ordinance Amending and Supplementing Section 31-75, No Parking Certain Hours, 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 the purpose of this ordinance is to amend and supplement Section 31-75, No parking certain hours, of Chapter 31, Traffic and Vehicles, of the Revised Ordinances of the Township of Randolph, Morris County, New Jersey, to prohibit parking on the north side of Draco Drive between Dover Chester Road and Alcor Road during school hours. The parking rules will increase safety for both pedestrian and vehicular traffic going to and coming from Ironia School. The south side of Draco still allows parking to provide some relief.

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Seeing and hearing none, the public session was closed.

BE IT RESOLVED, that an Ordinance entitled, An Ordinance Amending and Supplementing Section 31-75, No Parking Certain Hours, 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.

Mayor Potter asked Manager Mountain to provide the Board of Education with a copy of this ordinance.

Council Member Carey inquired about how the ordinance came about. Manager Mountain explained that residents in the area had reported complaints and concerns. The police presence in the area also observed some issues. A neighborhood survey was conducted; all but two residents responded that they were either in favor or of neutral opinion on the matter.

Council Member Tkacs made a motion to adopt the ordinance. Council Member Forstenhausler seconded the motion, and the following roll call vote was taken:

AYES:
Council Member Carey
Council Member Forstenhausler
Council Member Loveys
Council Member Tkacs
Council Member Veech
Deputy Mayor Nisivoccia
Mayor Potter

NAYS: None

H. ORDINANCES: INTRODUCTION

1. Ordinance No. 03-22 To Exceed Municipal Budget Appropriation Limits and to Establish a Cap Bank

Manager Mountain explained that the purpose of this ordinance is to exceed the Municipal Budget Appropriation Limits and establish a Cap Bank for Calendar Year 2022. He explained that the higher cap limit allows the township to bank a greater amount of money for future use if needed.

BE IT RESOLVED, that an Ordinance entitled "Calendar Year 2022 Ordinance to Exceed Municipal Budget Appropriation Limits and to Establish a Cap Bank (N.J.S.A. 40a:4-45.15A et seq)" be introduced, read by title by the Township Clerk and passed on first reading.

BE IT RESOLVED, that said Ordinance shall be further considered for final passage at the meeting of the Township Council of the Township of Randolph on the 3rd, of March, 2022 at 6 o'clock in the evening, prevailing time, at the Town Hall in said Township, at which time and place all persons interested shall be given an opportunity to be heard concerning said ordinance.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Township Clerk be authorized and directed to advertise said Ordinance in full or by summary with the notice of introduction thereof, in the official designated newspaper according to law. Council Member Forstenhausler made a motion to introduce the ordinance. Council Member Loveys seconded the motion, and the following roll call vote was taken:

AYES:
Council Member Carey
Council Member Forstenhausler
Council Member Loveys
Council Member Tkacs
Council Member Veech
Deputy Mayor Nisivoccia
Mayor Potter
NAYS: None

I. DISCUSSION ITEMS

Manager Mountain explained that the sunset provisions within committee ordinances needed to either be updated or eliminated.

1. Proposed Wildlife Management Advisory Committee Ordinance

Manager Mountain explained that the proposed ordinance has been amended to update the committee's standing through December 31, 2026. He explained that this date was a placeholder and could be changed or removed depending on whether the council wanted to remove the sunset provisions.

Deputy Mayor Nisivoccia asked if there was a reason that the sunset provisions were included in the ordinance.

Council Member Loveys explained that he reviewed 2012 minutes to refresh his memory. He explained that the committee was formed out of necessity to control the deer population in town; the sunset provisions were included because there was no indication of how the committee would evolve or be needed beyond the set period. He stated that he was in favor of the committee continuing, however, he believed that some revisions should be made to make the duties and powers of the committee broader. As an example, he stated that he did not think the committee needed to research and identify successful programs to implement in town, instead, he suggested rewording the section to having the committee be kept abreast of deer control and other wildlife programs. He reviewed various sections of the ordinance that referred to the Wildlife Management Advisory Committee as the Advisory White Tailed Deer Control Committee, and the origin of the committee as a Parks subcommittee. He stated that the committee was valid, and currently in maintenance mode. He referred to Section 10-341b and asked if a new committee would need to be appointed as the ordinance is referencing the original committee member appointment date.

Manager Mountain stated that the date does not invalidate anything by being left in; if the council felt it was distracting it could be changed. Attorney Buzak agreed with Manager Mountain. He explained that the committee itself is not reappointed, it remains as it is. He stated that the section was probably better left in the ordinance.

Council Member Loveys commented that he had thought to remove the manager and designee obligation on the committee, however, upon reviewing the minutes, he recalled that the previous Township Manager, John Lovell, explained that the manager designee could be any suitable employee who would benefit the committee. He stated that the position was valid and that it should not be looked at as a manager obligation. Manager Mountain explained that the role was not overly burdensome and that he has found it to be helpful from time to time. He agreed that the section should be left as is.

Council Member Loveys referred to Section 10-341 and stated that there was no language for successors to the Township Manager member; he suggested that language could be added in. Attorney Buzak stated that the manager member was automatically included as a result of his or her position. He was not sure that the language was needed. Council Member Loveys agreed.

He referred to the committee's duties and powers and stated that he believed the group was beyond the point of research and identifying; he suggested that the committee should now be staying abreast of programs. Manager Mountain agreed.

Council Member Loveys referred to Section 10-342b. He did not understand the inclusion of volunteer groups. Manager Mountain stated that he was not sure of the intent, but he believed including it did not hurt. Council Member Loveys suggested including language about general wildlife concerns in the committees' duties and the groups' annual report.

Deputy Mayor Nisivoccia suggested changing the title of Section 10-342 to 'Duties and powers with regard to Wildlife Management.'

Council Member Forstenhausler agreed that the committee was in good standing and that there was no need to establish another sunset clause. He suggested that changes proposed by Council Member Loveys be made and that the sunset provision be removed since regardless of the provision the council has the power to dissolve a committee.

Council Member Veech referred to 10-342h and suggested that the section specify who the committee presents their annual report to. Council Member Forstenhausler suggested adding that the committee presents their annual report to the Township Council. There was a brief discussion on when the report is generally presented.

Deputy Mayor Nisivoccia suggested that the section be broadened from whitetail deer, to include other relevant wildlife topics. Manager Mountain explained that the passage refers to the annual deer hunt; rather than changing the wording in 10-342h, he suggested that language for any other relevant topics be included at the end of the section.

Council Member Loveys shared that a previous committee member used to take charge of obtaining state, county, and car accident data. He explained that though it is difficult to obtain those figures, the committee is working towards that effort.

Council Member Tkacs stated that he believed the sunset provision could be removed from the Trails Committee Ordinance. He suggested that the provisions for the Wildlife Management Committee be set for ten years, as it is unknown what the wildlife population would look like beyond that. There was a brief discussion on keeping and removing the provisions. Council Member Forstenhausler did not see the need to renew the provisions as the council can always dissolve a committee. Council Member Tkacs yielded his position. There was a consensus to remove the sunset clause for the Wildlife Management Advisory Committee.

The council members agreed that the sunset provisions were logical for the establishment of new committees.

2. Proposed Trails Committee Ordinance

Council Member Loveys pointed out a minor typo in Section 10-361.

Council Member Forstenhausler suggested removing the sunset provisions on the Trails Committee.

3. Proposed Cottage Food Operations Ordinance

Manager Mountain explained that the proposed ordinance encompasses the council's recommendations from the last discussion about the state's Cottage Food Law and potential local amendments that could be made to allow residents to participate. The ultimate decision from that discussion was to allow cottage food operations in residential zones with the restriction of sales/goods not being relinquished at homes.

Mayor Potter shared that Council Member Veech brought to her attention that the "home bakers" clarification in the title of Section 15-11.14 was unnecessary as cottage food operations were already clearly defined.

Council Member Forstenhausler asked if "relinquish" was the correct word to use in the ordinance. Attorney Buzak explained that he had the same concern, however, that the word is used within the state statute. He would check to see if there was a different word in the statute that would be appropriate.

J. OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Jim McConnell of 45 Carrell Road stated that he understood that the Board of Education is an autonomous body, as is the Township Council. He commented that there must be liaisons between the two groups that could communicate the concerns residents have about the BOE. He stated that the Jewish community has been in Randolph for over 100 years and was well represented in the community. He shared his frustrations with the township being in the papers twice and looking foolish. He suggested someone call the BOE to inform them that they should get their act together as it is not just affecting the schools, but everyone. He shared that he used to argue with his wife that it was not possible to have a day off for every religious holiday. He stated that the council needed to get the BOE to play nice. He shared that he has lived in Randolph for over 50 years, and commented that it is a good town. He asked the council to share their thoughts with the BOE.

Eric Steinberg of 7 Trowbridge shared that he recently moved to Randolph from Livingston. He explained that the Jewish community was a part of the council's constituents and commented that he did not feel welcome. He stated that the school ratings were down and that the issue affected property values. He commented that the community demographics are angry and that the BOE issue was not just a school issue, because it affected families and the community's reputation. He stated that no good was coming out of the BOE's action and no reason for it has been provided. He stated that infrastructure was important, but so were people's feelings. He stated that the decision sent the wrong message to residents.

Tyler Barth of 4 Country Lane spoke as a member of the press. As a graduate of Randolph High School, he asked what happened to his beloved school district. He did not know who was right or wrong, but he did have his opinions. He recalled issues with the school's previous superintendent, recent incidents with the removal of holiday names on the calendar, and the recent occurrence. He commented that people were stirring up so much and it was depressing to see it happen in his school district.

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

K. COUNCIL COMMENTS

Council Member Tkacs stated that there were no committee meetings since the last council meeting. He attended the Randolph Area Chamber of Commerce Luncheon earlier in the day, along with Council Member Carey and Deputy Mayor Nisivoccia. During the event, changes to the tax laws were discussed.

Council Member Veech had nothing to report for this meeting.

Council Member Carey reported that the Library Board of Trustees met the previous week. She shared that the library removed their mask mandate and that the library circulation numbers were up. She shared that February was Library Lovers Month. She reported that the library is planning to have a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Story Walk. The library is working with the Recreation Department to determine if holding the event on the same day as the recreation Bike Rodeo event was a good idea. She shared that the event was tentatively scheduled for 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 2.

Council Member Forstenhausler stated that he believed the Jewish community was welcome in Randolph and that he wholeheartedly supported the community. He shared that when he served as mayor more than four years ago, he attended several services at synagogues and spoke out in support when several acts of terrorism and murder occurred in the nation. He stated that he has a good relationship with several of the rabbis in town. He did not want anyone to think the Randolph community was not in support of the Jewish community. He stated that it was a very unfortunate situation and that the council would see what they could do. In the place of Mayor Potter, he attended an Affordable Housing meeting. He shared that Peter Kenny, a longtime Randolph volunteer, Vietnam Veteran, and member of the VFW, recently passed away.

He attended a League of Municipalities meeting, during which several mayors and council members discussed issues pertaining to various communities in Morris County. He participated in a Trails Advisory Committee meeting via Zoom. The committee's next meeting will likely be held virtually. The meeting in March would most likely be held in person at a park if the weather permits.

Council Member Loveys agreed wholeheartedly with Council Member Forstenhausler's comments. He hoped that the Jewish community knew that the council and the Randolph community stood by them. He stated that he could not comment on the BOE's thought process nor on the intricacies of putting a school calendar together. He stated that he was aware that some of Randolph's history was steeped in the Jewish tradition. He stated that it hurt to know that the Jewish community did not feel welcome, as that was not the case.

He reported that the Recreation Advisory Committee met on Wednesday, February 10. He shared that after the success of the field hockey program, the committee is considering the formation of a sports committee. He reported that the committee conditionally approved a boys' volleyball clinic for the spring. The clinic will be open to 5th-8th graders and will function as a feeder program to Randolph High School. The program participation will be limited for the first spring season; generally, the consensus is that interest is growing for both the boys' and girls' programs.

He shared that Assistant Recreation Director Steve Eisenstein reported that program participation numbers have well exceeded 2021 figures, and spring sign-ups are still open. During the meeting, Director Newman reported on several upcoming events, some of which include: the Bike Rodeo on Saturday, April 2, the Easter Egg Hunt at Veterans Community Park on Sunday, April 10, the Little League Opening Day event at Freedom Park on Saturday, April 23, and the Volunteer Awards at Veterans Community Park on Saturday, April 23.

Council Member Loveys concluded his report with a brief update on the search for the next Township Manager. He shared that the semi-finalist interviews have been scheduled; once those interviews conclude, the committee will coordinate with the council to interview the finalists in March.

Deputy Mayor Nisivoccia echoed the comments of Council Member Forstenhausler and Council Member Loveys. He stated that he has always celebrated the long and proud history of the Jewish community in Randolph. He was sorry that the members of the public who spoke during the open session shared concerns of not feeling welcome.

He reported that he attended a Board of Health meeting, during which, Health Officer Mark Caputo provided a presentation on CBD and cannabis. Mr. Caputo reported that the Health Department has been receiving many inquiries about the Cottage Food Law.

He attended a Randolph Area Chamber of Commerce meeting. He visited the VFW the previous week. The previous week, he also met with the Township's IT Manager to review the servers and the township network infrastructure. He concluded his report by sharing that he attended the Randolph High School Hall of Fame Committee meeting.

Mayor Potter informed the public that the township's diversity report was published on the township website. The report is designed to make sure that Randolph is moving in the right direction of being inclusive. She stated that the township was working with the Interfaith Council to make some progress in that direction.

She reported that the Economic Development Committee met virtually on Tuesday, February 1. The committee is continuing to develop questionnaires to promote local businesses on its social media platforms. She shared that the committee has a mask container program at Brundage and Freedom Park; three businesses have sponsored the containers. The committee is in process of redesigning its "Shop Local" signage and evaluating new and improved signs. The committee's Facebook and Instagram follower count is increasing; she suggested users of those social media platforms follow the committee.

She shared that she sent a message to the township boards and committees to encourage sharing updates with the township's communication channels.

She reported that the township will receive a seedling from one of New Jersey's best-known and celebrated historic trees; the Salem Oak Tree. The Salem Oak Tree has stood for over 500 years in the historic city of Salem. The New Jersey Environmental Protection Agency created seedlings from the tree for each NJ municipality in celebration of Arbor Day. She explained that many of the Quakers who settled in the Mendham area came from Salem/Burlington. The seedling will be planted on the grounds of the Randolph Meeting House.

Mayor Potter participated in a virtual briefing on the Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act by Congresswoman Sherrill's office on Wednesday, February 16.

L. EXECUTIVE SESSION

No Executive Session was held for this meeting.

M. ADJOURNMENT

Deputy Mayor Nisivoccia made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:15 p.m. Council Member Forstenhausler the motion and following roll vote was taken:

AYES:
Council Member Carey
Council Member Forstenhausler
Council Member Loveys
Council Member Tkacs
Council Member Veech
Deputy Mayor Nisivoccia
Mayor Potter

NAYS: None