All meeting minutes posted on the township website are unofficial minutes. Official copies of minutes may be obtained from the township clerk.
Minutes: February 19, 2015
A. OPENING OF COMBINED MEETING
1. Call to Order
A regular meeting of the Randolph Township Council was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Mayor Veech. 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 19, 2014 by e-mailing them the annual resolution adopted by the Council on December 4, 2014. 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 24, 2014.
2. Roll Call
PRESENT:
Councilwoman Carey
Councilman Forstenhausler
Councilman Guadagno
Councilman Loveys
Councilman Napoliello
Deputy Mayor Hirniak
Mayor Veech
Also present: Township Manager Mountain, and Ed Buzak and Keli Gallo from the Law Office of Edward Buzak.
3. Pledge of Allegiance
Mayor Veech led the Pledge of Allegiance.
B. PRESENTATIONS/PROCLAMATIONS
1. Girl Scout Gold Award
Mayor Veech commended Isabel Braun and Kelly E. O’Neill for their achievement. Each Girl Scout described her project. Deputy Mayor Hirniak read the following proclamations:
RECOGNIZING GIRL SCOUT KELLY E. O’NEILL
WHEREAS, Kelly E. O’Neill has been involved in Scouting for the past 13 years and is a member of the Girl Scouts of the United States of America, Troop #2206; and
WHEREAS, Kelly E. O’Neill has now earned the honor of receiving the Girl Scout Gold Award; and
WHEREAS, Kelly E. O’Neill got involved in sports at a very young age and is a 3-year member of Randolph’s Varsity Field Hockey Team and a 4-year member of the Varsity Softball Team; and
WHEREAS, recognizing the valuable role sports have played in her life; building self confidence, being part of a team, and the many opportunities now afforded her, Kelly E. O’Neill felt the desire to give that experience to those less fortunate; and
WHEREAS, for her Gold Award project, Kelly E. O’Neill joined the student-run, non-profit organization Let’s Play It Forward where she organized and executed a sports equipment drive in the community; and
WHEREAS, Kelly E. O’Neill enlisted the assistance of community leaders and Randolph schools in the collection of over 1500 gently-used sports equipment pieces by arranging drop boxes to be placed throughout the town and schools; once collected, she inventoried and categorized each piece and then transported the equipment to Mt. Kisco, NY, where the items were distributed to schools that lost everything during Superstorm Sandy, as well as South America; and
WHEREAS, in achieving this accomplishment, Kelly E. O’Neill has reached the zenith of Scouting and, as such, is a source of pride and inspiration for all of Randolph.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED by Randolph Township that Gold Award recipient Kelly E. O’Neill is recognized and congratulated for this exceptional achievement.
RECOGNIZING GIRL SCOUT ISABEL BRAUN
WHEREAS, Isabel Braun has been involved in Scouting since the first grade and is a member of the Girl Scouts of the United States of America, Troop #2244; and
WHEREAS, Isabel Braun has now earned the honor of receiving the Girl Scout Gold Award; and
WHEREAS, in addition to her many scholastic accomplishments, Isabel Braun is the President of the RHS Choir Council, a volunteer at the Center Grove School teaching elementary level acting, and a volunteer at Morristown Medical Center HELP program which offers compassionate care to hospitalized elderly patients; and
WHEREAS, Isabel Braun used her volunteer experience and talents to earn her Gold Award by establishing the Randolph STARS (Students Taking Action Resulting in Smiles), a non-profit group of talented student musicians and performers who entertain senior citizens in local nursing homes; and
WHEREAS, Isabel Braun organized these events, created a website, and brought together approximately fifteen other students to perform Broadway-themed and holiday concerts at Morris View Nursing Home, the Merry Heart Assisted Living, and Merry Heart Nursing Home; and
WHEREAS, in achieving this accomplishment, Isabel Braun has reached the zenith of Scouting and, as such, is a source of pride and inspiration for all of Randolph.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED by Randolph Township that Gold Award recipient Isabel Braun is recognized and congratulated for this exceptional achievement.
Mayor Veech read a letter sent by Assemblyman Bucco since he was unable to attend due to a prior commitment. Assemblyman Bucco will forward to the Girl Scouts the Joint Legislative Citation from Trenton.
C. OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Judith Stewart of 114 Everdale Road expressed her concern over the March 10th Council meeting coinciding with the Board of Education meeting. Mayor Veech and Manager Mountain explained that the meetings are planned around other events, and there will not be Tuesday meetings each month.
Seeing no one further from the public, the public portion was closed.
D. MANAGER’S REPORT
Manager Mountain reported the following:
- Revaluation—he and Darren Maloney, Barbara Gothie, and Fred Semrau met with Appraisal Systems, the consultant for the project, to kickoff the project and discuss milestones. He received confirmation from the state that the tax maps were approved. There are no other logistical obstacles to prevent work from beginning on the revaluation. The focus at the meeting was on public relations. Drafts of multimedia pieces will be provided by Appraisal Systems with information for the Quarterly, the information that will be on their website as well as a letter for township residents. The Manager will circulate the multimedia pieces to the work group for input. Appraisal Systems will also provide a schedule indicating key points in the process where the work group will meet to give input as well as receive feedback on the process. A public information meeting will likely be in early April. Appraisal Systems has the ability to have real time updates on their website of the revaluation process specific to Randolph.
- Water Master Plan—he will be meeting with Ralph Carchia, Paul Ferriero, and representatives from Hatch Mott MacDonald. There is an initial draft of the plan which will be reviewed in house first; the next step will be to meet with the Council infrastructure work group for feedback. Once the groups are satisfied with the plan, a presentation will be scheduled for the full Council and the public; it is anticipated for the end of March or early April.
- Shongum Mountain Firehouse—he met with Ron Harmetz who provided an update on the scheduled renovation. The renovation will include an expansion of the doorway access for the vehicles which will allow modern vehicles to be accommodated in the bays as well as adding additional space in the training area. The renovation is expected to begin in March, weather permitting.
E. APPROVAL OF REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
1. Approval of Regular Meeting Minutes for January 15, 2015
Councilman Guadagno made a motion to approve the Regular Meeting minutes from January 15, 2015. Councilman Forstenhausler seconded the motion, and the following roll call vote was taken:
AYES:
Councilwoman Carey
Councilman Forstenhausler
Councilman Guadagno
Councilman Loveys
Deputy Mayor Hirniak
Mayor Veech
NAYS: None
ABSTAIN: Councilman Napoliello
F. APPROVAL OF EXECUTIVE MINUTES
1. Approval of Executive Meeting Minutes for January 15, 2015 and February 3, 2015
Councilman Guadagno made a motion to approve the Executive Meeting minutes from January 15, 2015 and February 3, 2015. Councilman Loveys seconded the motion, and the following roll call vote was taken:
AYES:
Councilwoman Carey
Councilman Forstenhausler
Councilman Guadagno
Councilman Loveys
Councilman Napoliello (abstains for 1/15/15 & yes for 2/3/15)
Deputy Mayor Hirniak
Mayor Veech
NAYS: None
G. COMBINED ACTION RESOLUTIONS
Item #6, Site Access Agreement with Calais Road Farms, LLC: Councilman Guadagno asked for clarification. Manager Mountain explained that it is the Rosenfarb property that is adjacent to the land acquired by the township. The agreement provides access for them to do their site remediation, and it provides protection for the township for any impact to the property.
Councilman Guadagno made a motion to approve the Combined Action Resolutions. Councilman Loveys seconded the motion, and the following roll call vote was taken:
AYES:
Councilwoman Carey
Councilman Forstenhausler
Councilman Guadagno
Councilman Loveys
Councilman Napoliello
Deputy Mayor Hirniak
Mayor Veech
NAYS: None
1. Refund Outside Tax Sale Certificate for 8 Corwin Street to US Bank—$313.01
R-56-15
WHEREAS, Outside Tax Sale Certificate #1986 held US Bank for BV001 Trust, assessed to Catherine Koenig, Block 33, Lot 5, 8 Corwin Street; and
WHEREAS, the above mentioned Tax Sale Certificate has been redeemed through the Tax Collector, including principal and interest in the amount of $213.01 and premium in the amount of $100.00.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Mayor and Council of the Township of Randolph, County of Morris, that the Treasurer be instructed to refund $313.01 to US Bank for BV001 Trust holder of Tax Sale Certificate #1986.
2. Refund Outside Tax Sale Certificate for 2 Southview Road—Stuart Lasher—$4,634.57
R-57-15
WHEREAS, Outside Tax Sale Certificate #1966 held by Stuart Lasher, assessed to Hector/Luz Rios et.al, Block 221, Lot 1, 2 Southview Road; and
WHEREAS, the above mentioned Tax Sale Certificate has been redeemed through the Tax Collector, including principal and interest in the amount of $4,634.57.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Mayor and Council of the Township of Randolph, County of Morris, that the Treasurer be instructed to refund $4,634.57 to Stuart Lasher holder of Tax Sale Certificate #1966.
3. Refund Outside Tax Sale Certificate for 11 Rebecca Ct to Tower Fund Services—$5,364.52
R-58-15
WHEREAS, Outside Tax Sale Certificate #2014 held by Tower Fund Services, assessed to Scott/Rachel Forsbrey, Block 119, Lot 14.17, 11 Rebecca Court; and
WHEREAS, the above mentioned Tax Sale Certificate has been redeemed through the Tax Collector, including principal and interest in the amount of $2,164.52 and premium in the amount of $3,200.00.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Mayor and Council of the Township of Randolph, County of Morris, that the Treasurer be instructed to refund $5,364.52 to Tower Fund Services holder of Tax Sale Certificate #2014.
4. Authorizing Refund for Overpayment of Taxes for 2012, 2013, & 2014 for 104 Carrell Road—Bruce Seidner—$15,615.66
R-59-15
WHEREAS, Bruce Seidner has been granted a reduction in assessed valuation for the tax years 2012, 2013, 1, & 2014, by the Tax Court of New Jersey on Block 86, Lot 58.01, known as 104 Carrell Road; and
WHEREAS, an overpayment exists as a result of the reduction for the year 2012 in the amount of $4,807.72, 2013 in the amount of $4,909.02, and 2014 in the amount of $5,898.92.
WHEREAS, it is recommended by the Tax Collector that these overpayments be refunded at this time.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Mayor and Council of the Township of Randolph, County of Morris, that the Treasurer be instructed to refund the overpayment of $15,615.66 to Bruce Seidner.
5. Extending the Contract for Electrical Subcode Inspection Services for an Additional Year to May 31, 2016 to Building Inspection Underwriters, Inc.
R-60-15
WHEREAS, bids have been advertised and received on March 28, 2013, 11:00 A.M., in accordance with Local Public Contracts Law for Electrical Subcode Inspection Services from June 1, 2013 through May 31, 2014 with the option to extend for two one year periods ending May 31, 2016; and
WHEREAS, via R 132-13 the Township of Randolph awarded a one year contract to Building Inspection Underwriters, Inc. of Feasterville, PA for Electrical Subcode Inspection Services from June 1, 2013 through May 31, 2014 with the option to extend for two one year periods ending May 31, 2016; and
WHEREAS, via R 108-14, the Township of Randolph extended the contract for a one-year period of June 1, 2014 through May 31, 2015, with the option to extend for one more additional year beginning June 1, 2015 through May 31, 2016; and
WHEREAS, the fee bid for all three years is 100% of the subcode inspections fees; and
WHEREAS, the Construction Official recommends the extension of the contract for one more year from June 1, 2015 through May 31, 2016.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the Township Council, Township of Randolph, County of Morris, State of New Jersey, that the contract with Building Inspection Underwriters, Inc. of Feasterville, PA for Electrical Subcode Inspection Services be extended for one more year from June 1, 2015 through May 31, 2016 for the percentage of 100% of the subcode inspections fees per their bid proposal.
CERTIFICATION OF AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS
Dated: February 19, 2015
As required by N.J.S.A. 40A:4-57, N.J.A.C. 5:30-14.5, and any other applicable requirement, I, Darren Maloney, Director of Finance for the Township of Randolph, have ascertained that funds will be available in the 2015 Budget, Electrical Inspections, O & E, to award a contract to Building Inspection Underwriters, Inc., for electrical sub code inspection services, according to its bid submitted to the Township.
__________________________________
Darren Maloney
Chief Financial Officer
Budget Account(s): 01-201-22-200-300 (not to exceed $80,000-pending adoption)
6. Authorizing the Execution of a Site Access Agreement with Calais Road Farms, LLC
R-61-15
WHEREAS, the Township of Randolph (“Township”) is the owner of certain property formally known as Block 49, Lot 3 on the Official Tax Map of the Township of Randolph, and more commonly known as 49 Doby Road (“Township Property”); and
WHEREAS, Calais Road Farms, LLC is the owner of certain property formally known as Block 47, Lot 34 on the Official Tax Map of the Township of Randolph, and more commonly known as 95 Calais Road (“Calais Road Farms Property”); and
WHEREAS, Calais Road Farms, LLC is investigating the environmental conditions on the Calais Road Farms Property under New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Public Interest No. 012189; and
WHEREAS, Calais Road Farms is required to delineate the extent of and remediate any contamination that may have resulted from the conditions on the Calais Road Farms Property; and
WHEREAS, in connection with the investigation, Calais Road Farms, LLC has requested access to the Township Property to install three monitoring wells from which groundwater samples may be collected; and
WHEREAS, the Township has agreed to grant Calais Road Farms, LLC access to the Township Property to install three monitoring wells in accordance with the terms and conditions of a Site Access Agreement dated February 19, 2015; and
WHEREAS, the Township desires to authorize the execution of said Site Access Agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Township Council of the Township of Randolph, County of Morris, State of New Jersey as follows:
- The Township hereby authorizes the execution of a Site Access Agreement by and between Calais Road Farms, LLC and the Township of Randolph dated February 19, 2015.
- The Mayor and Township Attorney are hereby authorized to review and approve any minor, non-substantive changes in the Site Access Agreement that may result from further review prior to final execution thereof.
- The Mayor and Township Clerk, together with all other officers, professionals and employees of the Township are hereby authorized and directed to take any and all steps necessary to effectuate the purposes of this Resolution.
- This Resolution shall take effect immediately.
7. Authorizing the Payment of League and Practice Ice Fees to the Morris County Youth Hockey League—Not to Exceed $42,002.50
R-62-15
WHEREAS, the Township of Randolph (“Township”) annually participates in the Morris County Youth Hockey League through Mennen Arena; and
WHEREAS, the fee for participation in the Mite, Squirt, Pee Wee and Bantam Teams, and Practice Ice for 2014 was $42,002.50; and
WHEREAS, there are funds available for these league fees.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Township Council of the Township of Randolph, County of Morris, State of New Jersey, as follows:
- The Township hereby authorizes the payment of league fees for participation in the Morris County Youth Hockey League for 2014 for the not to exceed price of $42,002.50.
- This Resolution shall take effect immediately.
8. Authorizing the Payment of League and Practice Ice Fees to Aspen Ice Inc. for the Hockey League—Not to Exceed $43,031.89
R-63-15
WHEREAS, the Township of Randolph (“Township”) leased ice time from and registered some teams for the 2014 Hockey League with Aspen Ice Inc.; and
WHEREAS, the league fees and ice time for Aspen Ice Inc. for 2014 totaled $43,013.89; and
WHEREAS, the requirements of N.J.S.A. 19:44A-20.5 (Anti Pay-to-Play Legislation) apply for this service; and
WHEREAS, in accordance with the Anti Pay-to-Play Legislation, Aspen Ice Inc. has submitted to the Township the Political Contribution Disclosure Form, Stockholder Disclosure Certification and Business Entity Disclosure Certification as required; and
WHEREAS, Aspen Ice Inc. has also submitted to the Township a New Jersey Business Registration Certificate, as required; and
WHEREAS, there are funds available for the lease of this ice time and the league fees.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Township Council of the Township of Randolph, County of Morris, State of New Jersey, as follows:
- The Township hereby approves the payment of $43,031.89 for leased ice time and team registrations for the 2014 Hockey League to Aspen Ice Inc.
- This Resolution shall take effect immediately.
9. Raffle License, Bingo, Fernbrook PTO, at the Randolph High School, 511 Millbrook Avenue, Randolph on May 15, 2015 from 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
10. Raffle License Off-Premise 50/50, Fernbrook PTO, at the Randolph High School, 511 Millbrook Avenue, Randolph on May 15, 2015 from 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
11. Raffle License, On-Premise Merchandise, Fernbrook PTO, at the Randolph High School, 511 Millbrook Avenue, Randolph on May 15, 2015 from 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
12. Raffle License, Tricky Tray, Fernbrook PTO, at the Randolph High School, 511 Millbrook Avenue, Randolph on May 15, 2015 from 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
13. Raffle License, Off-Premise 50/50, Celebrate the Children, Inc. on March 27, 2015 at the Meadow Wood Manor, 461 Route 10 East, Randolph from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
14. Raffle License, Arm Chair Races, Celebrate the Children, Inc. on March 27, 2015 at the Meadow Wood Manor, 461 Route 10 East, Randolph from 7:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.
15. Raffle License, Tricky Tray, Mendham Township Home and School Association, on April 17, 2015, at the Meadow Wood Manor, 461 Route 10 East, Randolph from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
H. UPCOMING EVENTS
- Habitat for Humanity Hearts and Hammers Gala—Saturday, February 28th at 6:00 p.m., Meadow Wood Manor, 461 Route 10 East, Randolph
- Budget Meeting—Saturday, February 28th at 8:30 a.m.
- Randolph Chamber of Commerce After Hours—AAA Northwest - Roxbury Mall, 275-33 Route 10 East, Succasunna - Wednesday, March 4th at 5:00 p.m.
- Community Wellness Day—Randolph Middle School, Millbrook Avenue, Randolph on Saturday, March 7th from noon to 3 p.m. - rain or shine
- Budget Meeting—Saturday, March 14th at 8:30 a.m.
- Budget Meeting—Saturday, March 21st at 8:30 a.m.
I. ORDINANCES: SECOND READING/PUBLIC HEARING
1. Ordinance No. 02-15: Ordinance to Exceed the Municipal Budget Appropriation Limits and to Establish a Cap Bank
BE IT RESOLVED that an Ordinance entitled “CALENDAR YEAR 2015 ORDINANCE TO EXCEED THE MUNICIPAL BUDGET APPROPRIATION LIMITS AND TO ESTABLISH A CAP BANK (N.J.S.A. 40a:4-45.14)” be read by title on second reading and a hearing held thereon.
Manager Mountain explained that this Ordinance allows for the township to exceed the appropriation cap limit; it gives flexibility if needed.
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Seeing no one from the public, the public portion was closed.
BE IT RESOLVED that an Ordinance entitled “CALENDAR YEAR 2015 ORDINANCE TO EXCEED THE MUNICIPAL BUDGET APPROPRIATION LIMITS AND TO ESTABLISH A CAP BANK (N.J.S.A. 40a:4-45.14)” 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 Guadagno made a motion to accept the ordinance. Councilwoman Carey seconded the motion, and the following roll call vote was taken:
AYES:
Councilwoman Carey
Councilman Forstenhausler
Councilman Guadagno
Councilman Loveys
Councilman Napoliello
Deputy Mayor Hirniak
Mayor Veech
NAYS: None
2. Ordinance No. 03-15: Accepting an Access and Utility Easement Over a Portion of Block 195, Lot 3 from the MC Housing Authority
BE IT RESOLVED that an Ordinance entitled “AN ORDINANCE ACCEPTING AN ACCESS AND UTILITY EASEMENT OVER A PORTION OF BLOCK 195, LOT 3 ON THE OFFICIAL TAX MAP OF THE TOWNSHIP OF RANDOLPH FROM THE MORRIS COUNTY HOUSING AUTHORITY” be read by title on second reading and a hearing held thereon.
Manager Mountain explained that this Ordinance allows for the township to accept a conveyance of an access easement as well as a utility maintenance easement on the Morris County Housing Authority property which allows access to the Rosenfarb park property the township owns.
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Seeing no one from the public, the public portion was closed.
BE IT RESOLVED that an Ordinance entitled “AN ORDINANCE ACCEPTING AN ACCESS AND UTILITY EASEMENT OVER A PORTION OF BLOCK 195, LOT 3 ON THE OFFICIAL TAX MAP OF THE TOWNSHIP OF RANDOLPH FROM THE MORRIS COUNTY HOUSING AUTHORITY” 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 Guadagno made a motion to accept the ordinance. Councilman Forstenhausler seconded the motion, and the following roll call vote was taken:
AYES:
Councilwoman Carey
Councilman Forstenhausler
Councilman Guadagno
Councilman Loveys
Councilman Napoliello
Deputy Mayor Hirniak
Mayor Veech
NAYS: None
J. ORDINANCES: INTRODUCTION
1. Ordinance No. 04-15: Ordinance of the Township of Randolph Appropriating $127,826.49 to Repair the Municipal Building for Damages Resulting from Water Damage in Both the Finance and Police Departments as Well as Fire in the Police Department, Therefore, Including $127,826.49 in Funding from the Township Insurance Funds
Manager Mountain explained the Ordinance is to give an appropriation mechanism to allow for the funds received from the insurance company for the damage to the Finance Department from ice damage that resulted in flooding and the fire in the Police Department. The funds have been received, this Ordinance allows for those funds to be expended during the year for the work that has been done, and will be doing. The Ordinance is the best way to track those expenditures rather than running the funds back through the operating budget.
BE IT RESOLVED that an Ordinance entitled “AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWNSHIP OF RANDOLPH APPROPRIATING $127,826.49 TO REPAIR THE MUNICIPAL BUILDING FOR DAMAGES RESULTING FROM WATER DAMAGE IN BOTH THE FINANCE AND POLICE DEPARTMENTS AS WELL AS A FIRE IN THE POLICE DEPARTMENT, THEREFORE INCLUDING $127,826.49 IN FUNDING FROM THE TOWNSHIP’S INSURANCE FUNDS” 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 10th of March 2015 at 7:00 o’clock in the evening, prevailing time, at the Municipal Building 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.
There was some discussion on how the expenditures would be tracked. It was decided that Manager Mountain would begin to provide an end of the year report on all open Ordinances and the expenditures related to each Ordinance.
Councilman Napoliello made a motion to accept the Ordinance. Councilman Forstenhausler seconded the motion, and the following roll call vote was taken:
AYES:
Councilwoman Carey
Councilman Forstenhausler
Councilman Guadagno
Councilman Loveys
Councilman Napoliello
Deputy Mayor Hirniak
Mayor Veech
NAYS: None
K. DISCUSSION ITEMS
1. 2015 Budget Review
Manager Mountain reported that the Finance work group met. The Manager, Darren Maloney, and auditor Bill Schroeder met with the work group to inform them of what they were preparing to present to the full Council as far as the budget and financial picture of the township. Manager Mountain reported they were happy with the year end numbers, and those will be discussed during the first work session. A detailed schedule of the three work sessions will be provided to the Council. He stated that he will be presenting a budget that is consistent with those from the last couple of years in terms of tax impact and cap. The Manager reported that at the first work session presentations will be made by the Parks and Recreation Department, the Health and Construction Department, and Public Works.
Mayor Veech stated that at the Finance work group, she had asked Manager Mountain and Darren Maloney to provide a profit and loss type document for each department to see how revenue has been managed.
2. Emergency Notification System
Manager Mountain explained that there had been an issue with the emergency notification system the previous week. In response, the technical issues were reviewed with Swift Reach, and they were very responsive; the Manager was satisfied that the technical issue was addressed. The meeting also allowed for discussion on the overall protocol of how the township is utilizing the system, and some adjustments have been made.
Councilman Guadagno stated that the two calls had been going out for some time. He suggested that by using language in the message that it is an announcement to all residents, it would distinguish between a reverse 911 message and a Swift Reach message. Mayor Veech explained that she and Manager Mountain discussed including information in the next newsletter to explain the difference between the two.
L. OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Seeing no one from the public, the public portion was closed.
M. COUNCIL COMMENTS
Councilwoman Carey reported that the Library Board of Trustees reviewed statistics related to circulation, borrowers, and number of people attending programs, and all of them were on the decline for approximately five years. The group formed a strategic planning committee consisting of Councilwoman Carey, Roy Squillario, Laurie Trezza, Evelyn Hammaren, and staff member Rob Tambini. They will create a five year plan for the future of the library; they will conduct surveys and focus groups for feedback. They will also gather comparisons from other libraries in the area.
Deputy Mayor Hirniak reported that the Parks Committee met, and Russ Newman presented a report on activities from January. Deputy Mayor Hirniak presented the highlights of the report to the Council. He also reported that the Mayor’s Breakfast with Congressman Frelinghuysen on February 9th was cancelled and has not yet been rescheduled. A list of Federal issues which Manager Mountain had collected from the staff was sent. Deputy Mayor Hirniak reported that he attended the Freeholder Budget Subcommittee meeting. He also spoke with County Manager Bonnani; he was pleased with Randolph’s presentation at the Budget Subcommittee meeting. There were some concerns expressed at the meeting that the county needs to do a better job in keeping up with infrastructure concerns, and how it relates to the 2015 budget. Councilman Hirniak also attended a Morris Economic Development Committee quarterly meeting. He and Mayor Veech attended Assemblyman Bramnick’s Trenton update. Deputy Mayor Hirniak and three other Council members attended a Morris County League of Municipalities meeting. He and Councilman Loveys attended the Randolph Chamber of Commerce meeting.
Councilman Napoliello reported the Recreation Committee and Board of Health meetings in February were cancelled due to icy conditions. He also reported that he attended the Morris County League of Municipalities meeting and that Executive Director Bill Dressel is retiring.
Councilman Forstenhausler reported the Environmental Commission meeting was postponed due to weather.
Councilman Guadagno reported that he attended the Wastewater Management meeting. Manager Mountain explained that the Wastewater Management is a Highland’s conformance requirement.
N. 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 remaining portion of the meeting.
2. The general nature of the subject matter to be discussed is as follows:
Litigation—Jersey City—RVRSA
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.
Councilman Guadagno made a motion to move into Executive Session at 7:50 p.m. Councilman Forstenhausler seconded the motion, and the following roll call vote was taken:
AYES:
Councilwoman Carey
Councilman Forstenhausler
Councilman Guadagno
Councilman Loveys
Councilman Napoliello
Deputy Mayor Hirniak
Mayor Veech
NAYS: None
Councilman Guadagno made a motion to return to Open Session at 8:05 p.m. Councilman Forstenhausler seconded the motion, and the following roll call vote was taken:
AYES:
Councilwoman Carey
Councilman Forstenhausler
Councilman Guadagno
Councilman Loveys
Councilman Napoliello
Deputy Mayor Hirniak
Mayor Veech
NAYS: None
O. ADJOURNMENT
Councilman Napoliello made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:05 p.m. Councilman Forstenhausler seconded the motion, and the following roll call vote was taken:
AYES:
Councilwoman Carey
Councilman Forstenhausler
Councilman Guadagno
Councilman Loveys
Councilman Napoliello
Deputy Mayor Hirniak
Mayor Veech
NAYS: None