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

Minutes: February 6, 2020

A. OPENING OF BUDGET MEETING

1. Call to Order

A budget meeting of the Randolph Township Council was called to order at 5:00 p.m. by Mayor Carey. 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 6, 2019 by emailing them the annual resolution adopted by the Council on November 5, 2019. 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 14, 2019.

2. Roll Call

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

Also present: Township Manager Mountain, Darren Maloney, David Stokoe, and Mark Caputo

3. Pledge of Allegiance

Mayor Carey led the Pledge of Allegiance.

B. OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Seeing no one from the public, the public portion was closed.

C. DEPARTMENT BUDGET PRESENTATIONS

1. Police Department—Chief David Stokoe

David Stokoe reviewed the operating expenses for the Police Department with the Council. He also reviewed his Capital Outlay and Capital budget request for 2020.

Deputy Mayor Veech asked the current staffing of the department and how it compares to last year. The Chief replied that the department is currently staffed at 36 sworn officers; however, right now Officer Brian Brenckman is deployed until approximately June, so there are 35. There is also a potential retirement in the middle of this year. It is a relatively young department, with a significant number of officers with less than five years experience. Deputy Mayor Veech asked if hiring is now completed; the Chief responded that it is, however, if officers retire this year they will need to replace them.

Capital Outlay:

Purchase New Vehicles—decreased $35,000 from the 2019 budget; it is used for the replacement of police vehicles that are at the end of their operational use. The 2019 budget was also decreased $35,000 from 2018; these types of reductions are harder each year and are not sustainable for the long run. He anticipates an increase in the budget for 2021.

Councilman Forstenhausler asked how many vehicles will be purchased with the $110,000 budget. Chief Stokoe replied that they would be able to purchase approximately two vehicles. There is a large cost for the equipment that is installed inside of the vehicles such as computers, radar, and e-ticketing.

Deputy Mayor Veech asked about the variable message signs and how many the department currently has and asked if some were stolen this past year. The Chief replied that the budget request was not for the portable signs that the department currently has; the signs that were stolen or vandalized were the portable pole-mounted radar signs. The budget request is for the larger variable message boards that they utilize in a number of ways.

New DWI Instrument—Chief Stokoe asked if anyone had questions about the budget request for the DWI instrument.

Councilman Loveys asked if the department was funding for it. The Chief explained that they are funding for it; he has been requesting funds for it for approximately five years. The state keeps saying that the new instrument is coming, but it hasn’t yet; he is anticipating that the new breath test instrument will be received in 2020. It will be tested in Monmouth County this year, with the anticipation that statewide implementation in late 2020 or early 2021. The township needs to be in a position to be able to purchase the instrument as soon as it’s possible. Councilman Loveys asked if the unit the department has is currently non-functioning. The Chief replied that it is functioning, but the state is looking to bring in a more modern unit. He explained how the State Police implement the instruments and how they typically certify them. Councilman Loveys asked how much this instrument costs; Chief Stokoe replied that the state has told him to budget $20,000. Manager Mountain explained that this is not like some of the capital items where they reserve money over the years; the reason it seems that way is because it has been in the budget request for years, but it hasn’t yet been purchased.

There was a brief discussion on marijuana testing; the Chief is not aware of the state moving toward testing of a machine for marijuana.

Variable Message Signs—Chief Stokoe returned to this discussion—he is requesting $21,000; there are currently two signs in use. The mobile units play a vital role in the notification of the community for various events and alerts. One of the two existing units is approximately ten years old and they have been experiencing issues with batteries and the control panel doors. Newer models have improvements to batteries and technology.
Generators and Generator Hook-ups—there have been more frequent and extended power outages in recent years. The battery backup for the traffic signals has generally lasted for 24 hours, but depends on the specific signal. They have experienced situations where the battery runs out much quicker and before power is restored. There are six major signaled intersections that are currently maintained, three of which have generator hookup access—Sussex Turnpike/Millbrook Avenue, Dover Chester Road/Calais Road, and Dover Chester Road/Morris Turnpike. He would like to outfit Sussex Turnpike/West Hanover Avenue, South Salem Street/Franklin Road, and Dover Chester Road/Sussex Turnpike with generator hookup and also purchase additional generators to hook up to those signals.

Councilman Nisivoccia asked the number of generators being requested; the Chief replied that he would be looking to purchase approximately four. Councilman Nisivoccia noted that the Chief did not mention the Route 10 intersections. Chief Stokoe explained that they are controlled through the state DOT and does not give Randolph PD access to those lights/panels; those lights go into a flashing mode. When those lights go out, the PD closes off side roads and only allows east and westbound traffic on Route 10.

Firearm Active Shooter Training Equipment and Supplies—equipment and supplies that would be an asset to the department and further the active violence, active shooter training. They would enhance the realism and intensity of training.

Councilwoman Veech commented that RTSP range has rooms; she toured the facility a couple of times and they explain that the police department and the school security personnel train there. She asked why the police department needs to build rooms in order to train and where they would build them. Chief Stokoe replied that it would be done on the police firing range. He explained that if RTSP is telling her that officers are going there, they are going there on their own time, it’s not a department-sponsored function or event. RTSP may have requirements or rules that don’t conform to the training that the police department is looking to do.

Capital Improvement:

Twelve of the items are consistent from last year; he did not discuss those items.
Evidence Room Shelving—this is a more modernized way to manage the property evidence function. The current evidence room and its shelving system are old. The new shelving can be moved around and allows for increased flexibility and space. There are specific requirements as to how evidence is maintained and how long it must be kept. The Chief is starting to budget funds now for implementation in approximately 2025.

Councilman Forstenhausler noted that there is $10,000 requested this year; he asked the entire cost of the shelving. Chief Stokoe replied that it is approximately $50,000; this is the first request for money toward the shelving.

Councilman Loveys asked about several of the items and how much was already budgeted and the total cost. Chief Stokoe provided an explanation of each of the items.

Councilman Forstenhausler asked when the body cameras would be able to be deployed. Chief Stokoe replied that the policy associated with these cameras is more complex than people realize; it took awhile to get the policy approved through the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office. Now that the policy is approved, they are working on the purchasing process. The Chief anticipates getting the body cameras this year. There was a brief discussion on body cameras in general.

There was a short discussion on the mobile digital cameras including benefits of usage.

Councilman Loveys had a question about the “quasi-criminal calls” from the December Police Department report that the Council received from the Clerk’s Office. He noted that there were about 140 more than the previous month, and asked why there was such a big increase. Chief Stokoe replied that he would have to look back at the report to see if it was comparing the number to the previous month or possibly the prior year. He was not aware of any significant increases.

Chief Stokoe thanked the Council for their continued support of the Police Department.

2. Board of Health/Construction—Mark Caputo

Mark Caputo reviewed the operating expenses for the Board of Health with the Council.

Manager Mountain explained that the increase in the Salary & Wage budget is due to an increase in hours for the part time nurses; this was based upon a recommendation from the head nurse. The Animal Control line item—he explained that a good part of animal control is funded through the animal trust. The animal trust revenues have not been enough to cover the animal shelter and the 50% of the Animal Control Officer’s salary, and the township has had to cover the balance. Pet licensing is the majority of the trust revenue, but the fees are capped by the state. The slight increase will not be enough to cover all costs. There are also shared services with other towns.

Deputy Mayor Veech asked about the Health Department inspections of restaurants and the grade they are given. Mark explained that NJ requires the inspection placard with the rating to be posted in a conspicuous place. If people do not see a placard, it should be reported because it could be a violation. However, in NJ the ratings are not letter grades; they are either satisfactory or conditionally satisfactory. The red sign of unsatisfactory usually means it’s closed.

Councilwoman Potter asked how many animals were licensed in Randolph; Mark replied that there are a little over 3,000.

Councilman Forstenhausler commended the public health nurses on all that they do.

Mark Caputo reviewed the operating expenses for Code Enforcement with the Council:

Manager Mountain explained that the increase for Salary and Wages is primarily due to two retirements; they build in the terminal payments. Otherwise that line item would be approximately 2%.

Mark Caputo reviewed the operating expenses for Recycling with the Council:

Mark explained that the marketplace for the single stream recycling has not gotten better; however, the township still pays less than for solid wastes. Solid waste is at about $100/ton; single stream recycling has been increasing and is at about $80/ton. Manager Mountain explained that other countries are not yet willing to take on the magnitude of recycling that China was accepting. There is starting to be a reinvestment in technologies in United States that in the long term may bring recycling down and bring the markets into a more level playing field. The Manager explained that the township uses the recycling grant as a buffer.

Mayor Carey asked if separating the recycling is any cheaper than single stream. Manager Mountain explained that he has asked that question of the County and the cost would only be minimally cheaper. There was a brief discussion on whether wet cardboard is considered recycling or trash.

Mark Caputo thanked the Council for their support.

D. REVIEW OF OTHER BUDGET CONSIDERATIONS

1. Library Funding

Darren Maloney explained that the township is requesting reimbursement for all of the money that it spends for the library employees as well as a portion of the Finance Department’s salaries and the Manager’s salary. The 2020 calculation is based on 1/3 of a mill (2019 equalized valuation). This amount is what is required to collect from residents in order to get state aid. He read through the various expenses.

Mayor Carey confirmed with Darren and Manager Mountain that the library could obtain their own maintenance services if they chose to do so, although she recognized that it would likely be much more expensive than what they pay the township to do the same.

2. Reserve for Uncollected Taxes

Darren Maloney explained the background for this reserve. The collection rate is excellent. The total reserve for uncollected taxes is $2,922,355, which is based on the assumption that only 97.4% will be collected. In reality, the township is collecting over 99%; the difference is what is collected and generated to surplus.

3. Revenue

Darren Maloney reviewed the items under Licenses and Fees. He explained that the state aid is expected to be the same as previous years.

There was a brief discussion on the Tamarac lease payment as well as the other leases the township maintains. Manager Mountain stated that they could create a document with this information and the Council stated that they liked that suggestion.

Darren reviewed the Interlocal Service Agreements.

Darren noted that for Receipts from Delinquent Taxes in the 2020 proposed budget he has an estimate of $550,000, but it may change by the time the budget is introduced.

E. OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Seeing no one from the public, the public portion was closed.

F. COUNCIL COMMENTS

The reports were held until the Regular Council Meeting.

G. ADJOURN BUDGET MEETING

The Budget Meeting was not officially adjourned; the Council took a short break at 6:45 p.m.

H. OPENING OF REGULAR MEETING

A regular meeting of the Randolph Township Council was reconvened at 7:00 p.m. by Mayor Carey.

In addition to all Council members, Township Manager Mountain, David Stokoe, Darren Carney, and Ed Buzak from the Buzak Law Group, were in attendance.

I. SWEARING IN OF PATROL OFFICERS

1. Swearing in of Police Officers Kevin Gocklin and James DeLuca

Kevin Gocklin was sworn in by his uncle; his parents held the bible.

James DeLuca was sworn in by his father; his mother held the bible.

J. MANAGER’S REPORT

319 Water Quality Restoration Grant—this item was a late addition to the Combined Action Resolutions. The township is preparing a grant application to the NJDEP under their Water Quality Restoration Program, otherwise known as the 319 Grant program. This year it has been touted as an algae bloom protection program. There was no earlier information provided that this grant program would be associated with a lake plan or that had direct impact on algae protection. The application is seeking funding in support of a project to repair/replace outlet structures and outfalls which drain into Shongum Lake. The focus of this year’s 319 program is on protecting lakes and watersheds from the non point source pollution that results from uncontrolled run-off. The projects to be funded by the proposed grant are part of the township’s overall stormwater management plan and have been in discussion with the lake association for several years. The resolution on this agenda is for the Council to support the submittal of the application.
NJ 2-1-1 Day—under upcoming events there is a training session scheduled for February 11th in conjunction with National 2-1-1 Day. To recognize the effort the township and Council have made to promote the NJ211 program, the NJ211 leadership has scheduled a training session for township and board of education employees on the NJ211 system. The NJ211 subcommittee led by Councilwoman Potter and members Julie Swenson, Liz Ritter and Councilman Loveys has worked closely with the NJ211 staff to develop the agenda for the day. The hope is the training session will be a model for others to be planned in the community and possibly in other towns across Morris County.
Construction Office Retirements—there were two retirements in the Construction Office, Construction Sub-Code Official Bob Murphy and Technical Assistant Karen Dobbins. Two very competent replacements were hired; Rob Rosendale will be taking over as Sub-Code Official, and Connie Gouck will be taking over as Technical Assistant. Rob has been a code official in several surrounding towns and has familiarity with Randolph, having served as back-up to Bob the past few years. Connie is a Randolph resident and has served in the same capacity for Roxbury Township for several years. She has also worked part-time in the Randolph Construction Department over the past few years, and comes to the position already very familiar with both the township and the job requirements.

Councilman Forstenhausler asked for an update on the Shongum Lake dredging project. Manager Mountain explained that the Shongum Lake Association has done a number of public outreach efforts. The favor of the project is still being reviewed by the Association. He sent it back to the Association indicating areas in which there needed to be affirmation, or reaffirmation of the signatories of certain properties. The Association has to first confirm that they have the support of the members and then it would move to further discussion with the township.

K. APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES

1. Approving the Minutes of the Regular Council Meetings on November 5, 2019, November 21, 2019 and December 5, 2019

Councilman Forstenhausler made a motion to approve the minutes of November 5, 2019, November 21, 2019 and December 5, 2019 Regular Council meetings. Councilman Nisivoccia seconded the motion, and the following roll call vote was taken:

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

NAYS: None

L. COMBINED ACTION RESOLUTIONS

Item #3, Certified Tax Collector/Tax Search Officer—Councilwoman Veech asked for a definition of a Tax Search Officer. Attorney Buzak explained that if someone is buying a property and a title search is done, they do a tax search to determine the status of the outstanding taxes. The title search is certified by the township and the person needs to be certified as a Tax Search Officer.

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

AYES:
Councilman Forstenhausler
Councilman Loveys
Councilman Nisivoccia—(Abstain for Item #1—R-58-20)
Councilwoman Potter
Councilman Tkacs
Deputy Mayor Veech
Mayor Carey

NAYS: None

R-58-20Authorizing the Shared Services Agreement to Provide Animal Control Services to Rockaway Boro in 2020 for $11,965.00
R-59-20 Amending the Award of MCCPC Contract #26 to Authorize Removing Item #3 from the Contract (Beam Guide Rails and Safety Ends—Installed)
R-60-20Designating Linda Ann Roth, Certified Tax Collector, as the Tax Search Officer for Calendar Year 2020
R-61-20 Authorizing Cancellation of 2020 Property Tax Refunds or Delinquent Amounts in the Amount of Less Than $10.00
R-62-20 Refund Tax Sale Certificate for Block 103, Lot 71, 9 Old Brookside Rd., to Cazenovia Creek Funding II LLC—$8,465.30
R-63-20 Authorizing Appropriation Reserve Transfers per N.J.S.A. 40A:4-59—$19,250.00
R-64-20 Endorsing the Submission of the Water Quality Restoration Grant Application, Authorizing Engineering Administrator Wayne Corsey to Ensure Proper Filing, and Resolving to Deposit Funds to be Solely Used for the Purposes of the Project Proposed in the Grant Application
Raffle License, On-Premise 50/50, PTO Fernbrook Elementary School, on March 10, 2020 at the Randolph High School, 511 Millbrook Avenue, Randolph, NJ from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Raffle License, Tricky Tray, PTO Fernbrook Elementary School, on March 10, 2020 at the Randolph High School, 511 Millbrook Avenue, Randolph, NJ from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

M. UPCOMING EVENTS

Ironia Winterfest, Saturday, February 8 from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., Ironia Elementary School; snow date Sunday, February 9
Council Only—NJ 211 Training Program, Tuesday, February 11 from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., Town Hall Courtroom
Randolph Library Event: Music for Valentine’s Day: “Love Never Dies” with Lisa Dellarosa, Sunday, February 16 at 2:00 p.m. Registration required, 973-895-3556
Randolph Area Chamber of Commerce Monthly Networking Luncheon, Your Annual Tax Update 2019/2020, Speaker Ron DeFillippis, Thursday, February 20 from 11:45 a.m. - 1:15 p.m. at LaStrada Restaurant, 1105 Route 10, Randolph, Cost—$22.00
Morris County Chamber of Commerce: Business Connections Networking Event, Friday, February 21, The Mansion of Mountain Lakes, 90 Route 46 East, Mountain Lakes from 7:15 a.m. - 9:15 a.m.
Hearts & Hammers Gala, Morris Habitat for Humanity, Saturday, February 22 from 6:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m., The Meadow Wood, 461 Route 10 East, Randolph
Council Budget Session, Saturday, February 22 at 8:30 a.m.
St. Patrick’s Day Celebration, Saturday, March 14 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Community Center. Tickets are $25; purchase through Randolph Community Pass
Library Event: Irish Music with Danny & the Boys, Sunday March 15 at 2:00 p.m. Registration required, 973-895-3556
Randolph Area Chamber of Commerce Monthly Networking Luncheon, Thursday, March 19 from 11:45 a.m. - 1:15 p.m. at LaStrada, 1105 Route 10, Randolph
Randolph Area Chamber of Commerce Randolph Business After Hours Networking Event, Wednesday, March 25 from 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m., at Brightview, 175 Quaker Church Road, Randolph
Added—February 24 at Grand Cafe in Morristown, event to honor Morris County Sheriff Gannon

N. ORDINANCES: SECOND READING/PUBLIC HEARING

1. Ordinance No. 01-20 Calendar Year 2020 Ordinance to Exceed Municipal Budget Appropriation Limits and to Establish a Cap Bank

BE IT RESOLVED, that an Ordinance entitled “CALENDAR YEAR 2020 ORDINANCE TO EXCEED MUNICIPAL BUDGET APPROPRIATION LIMITS AND TO ESTABLISH A CAP BANK (N.J.S.A. 40A:4-45.15a et seq)” be read by title on second reading and a hearing held thereon.

Manager Mountain explained that this is a procedural ordinance each year that allows the township to establish a cap bank for the appropriations cap.

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Seeing no one from the public, the public portion was closed.

BE IT RESOLVED, that an Ordinance entitled, “CALENDAR YEAR 2020 ORDINANCE TO EXCEED MUNICIPAL BUDGET APPROPRIATION LIMITS AND TO ESTABLISH A CAP BANK (N.J.S.A. 40A:4-45.15a et seq)” 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 Forstenhausler made a motion to accept the ordinance. Councilwoman Potter seconded the motion and the following roll call vote was taken:

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

NAYS: None

2. Ordinance 02-20 Authorizing the Acceptance of a Dedication of a Portion of Lot 22.03, Block 101 on the Official Tax Map of Randolph, Morris County, New Jersey from Pulte Homes of NJ, Limited Partnership (Widening of Brookside Rd)

BE IT RESOLVED, that an Ordinance entitled “AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE ACCEPTANCE OF A DEDICATION OF A PORTION OF LOT 22.03, BLOCK 101 ON THE OFFICIAL TAX MAP OF RANDOLPH, MORRIS COUNTY, NEW JERSEY FROM PULTE HOMES OF NJ, LIMITED PARTNERSHIP (WIDENING OF BROOKSIDE RD)” be read by title on second reading and a hearing held thereon.

Manager Mountain explained that this ordinance is a right-of-way dedication associated with the Kensington Square development.

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Seeing no one from the public, the public portion was closed.

BE IT RESOLVED, that an Ordinance entitled, “AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE ACCEPTANCE OF A DEDICATION OF A PORTION OF LOT 22.03, BLOCK 101 ON THE OFFICIAL TAX MAP OF RANDOLPH, MORRIS COUNTY, NEW JERSEY FROM PULTE HOMES OF NJ, LIMITED PARTNERSHIP (WIDENING OF BROOKSIDE RD)” 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 Forstenhausler made a motion to accept the ordinance. Councilman Nisivoccia seconded the motion and the following roll call vote was taken:

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

NAYS: None

O. OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Ben McQue of 100 Center Grove Road asked what lake they had been discussing earlier and what the reason was for dredging. Manager Mountain replied that it was Shongum Lake and it is a proposed dredging project due to sediment.

Seeing no one further from the public, the public portion was closed.

P. COUNCIL COMMENTS

Councilman Nisivoccia attended the Traffic Advisory Committee (TAC) meeting. On behalf of the TAC, he thanked the Manager for attending the meeting. The new “no turn on red” lighted sign at the intersection of West Hanover Avenue and Sussex Turnpike has been well received by residents.

Councilman Nisivoccia reported that the library’s phone issues have resolved. The library will be participating in the phone consultant survey of the township communications.

Councilman Forstenhausler had nothing to report.

Councilman Tkacs attended the Planning Board meeting. One of the proposals was for an addition of the child care center near the Randolph Lake and the Black River Barn; they are proposing an additional 2,000 square feet. The warehouse on Route 10 proposed adding a company store; it will be Rosenthal Fine China Flatware/Cookware and the Versace brand. There is no change to the warehouse, just the addition of a company store. Manager Mountain added that the EDC will be reaching out to the company to inquire about a ribbon cutting.

Councilman Loveys had nothing to report.

Councilwoman Potter attended the Municipal Alliance Committee (MAC) meeting. The MAC will be helping with the NJ211 Day; they allocated $500 to produce NJ211 magnets. The magnets will be given to first responders in the event that they feel the residents of the call they responded to might benefit from further assistance, they can leave behind the magnets so the residents can call to get more help. The police, fire and EMTs will receive the same training that employees will receive at NJ211 Day. The magnets can also be distributed to scouting groups and other organizations in the future. The police will be holding a program at the high school on how to talk to police officers when they get pulled over.

Councilwoman Potter attended the Environmental and Landmarks Committee; Walt Nickens will again be the Chairperson, and Larry Appel is the Vice Chairperson. There was a watershed ambassador from the Rockaway River Watershed Cabinet spoke about an upcoming event on February 22nd. It’s a free environmental visual assessment training with the objective to conduct assessments on the Rockaway River Watershed. The committee will be passing along to the Trails Committee a grant application for $1,500.

Deputy Mayor Veech reported that the Community Garden meeting and fair was held; there were over 100 people in attendance. The attendees are very enthusiastic about the community garden. About half are new to gardening and the other half are experienced. They are hoping to open the garden in mid-May; 120 beds have been reserved.

Mayor Carey attended the Economic Development Committee (EDC) meeting along with Manager Mountain. She thought it was an enthusiastic group. Rachita Chandak and Erica Metz are the leads for their social media page. The committee divided up the business listing for the township and comparing them to the directory from Randolph Local to compare and confirm that the information is current. They discussed new businesses and reaching out to them for ribbon cutting ceremonies, and other opportunities. There is a new business start up person. Manager Mountain added that they are doing a lot of follow up with businesses and planning to coordinate with the Country Fair to get more businesses involved in the event. Deputy Mayor Veech commented that the Taste of Randolph is being held on April 27th; she would like to see if the EDC could help the Randolph Rotary with the event. Mayor Carey replied that the EDC has already been in contact, and Rachita from the EDC has put it on social media.

Mayor Carey stated that she felt the Volunteer Appreciation event was very nice. She commended Jessica Losey on her organization and planning of the event.

Q. 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:

Update—Affordable Housing Litigation

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.

Councilman Forstenhausler made a motion to move into Executive Session at 7:55 p.m. Councilman Tkacs seconded the motion, and the following roll call vote was taken:

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

NAYS: None

Deputy Mayor Veech made a motion to close the Executive Session at 8:40 pm. Councilman Tkacs seconded the motion, and the following roll call vote was taken:

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

NAYS: None

R. ADJOURNMENT

Deputy Mayor Veech made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:40 p.m. Councilman Tkacs seconded the motion, and the following roll call vote was taken:

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

NAYS: None