All meeting minutes posted on the township website are unofficial minutes. Official copies of minutes may be obtained from the township clerk.
Minutes: January 1, 2008
A Reorganization Meeting of the Randolph Township Council was called to order at 1:00 p.m. by Councilman Obremski. 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 Morris County Daily Record and the Randolph Reporter on December 11, 2007, by emailing them the annual resolution adopted by the Council on December 6, 2007. The annual resolution, which included this meeting date, was advertised in the Morris County Daily Record, the official newspaper of the Township of Randolph on December 27, 2007, and in the Randolph Reporter on December 27, 2007.
Councilman Obremski led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Councilman Obremski noted that Councilwoman Trina Mitsch is home ill today and sends her regrets at not being able to attend.
ROLL CALL OF THE TOWNSHIP COUNCIL
PRESENT:
Councilman Algeier
Councilman Alpert
Councilman Metz
Councilman Napoliello
Councilman Obremski
Councilwoman Price
ABSENT: Councilwoman Mitsch
Also Present: Township Manager John Lovell and Township Attorney Edward Buzak
RECOGNIZE FORMER MAYOR MICHAEL OBREMSKI
Manager Lovell noted that the job of Mayor is very demanding and thanked Councilman Obremski for doing a wonderful job while in office in 2007. He noted it was a difficult year with the issue of the pool and congratulated the Councilman on handling the situation with grace. The former Mayor was presented with an honorary gavel and his name will be entered onto the Mayor’s Honor Roll which hangs in the foyer.
Councilman Obremski highlighted his Stroll, Roll and Run Program and the Traffic Safety Committee as examples of successful programs from the past year. He also expressed disappointment that the pool issue caused a dedicated township employee to be targeted as being part of a conspiracy with back room politics, and he expressed his support and gratitude to the Town Clerk for the grace and dignity with which she handled the situation.
Councilman Algeier recognized some of the dignitaries in attendance, including Senator Anthony Bucco, Sheriff Ed Rochford, Margaret Nordstrom, Bill Chegwidden, Arthur Ondish, Judge Wright from the Morris County Superior Court, and Doug Cabana.
SELECTION OF TEMPORARY MAYOR
Councilman Algeier nominated Donna Luciani as temporary Mayor. Councilman Obremski seconded the motion, and the following roll call vote was taken:
AYES:
Councilman Algeier
Councilman Alpert
Councilman Metz
Councilman Napoliello
Councilman Obremski
Councilwoman Price
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Councilwoman Mitsch
NOMINATIONS AND SELECTION OF MAYOR FOR THE YEAR 2008
Councilman Obremski nominated Allen Napoliello for Mayor in 2008. Councilman Algeier seconded the motion, and the following roll call vote was taken:
AYES:
Councilman Algeier
Councilman Alpert
Councilman Metz
Councilman Napoliello
Councilman Obremski
Councilwoman Price
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Councilwoman Mitsch
NOMINATIONS AND SELECTION OF DEPUTY MAYOR FOR THE YEAR 2008
Mayor Napoliello nominated Councilman Metz as Deputy Mayor for 2008. Councilman Algeier seconded the nomination, and the following roll call vote was taken:
AYES:
Councilman Algeier
Councilman Alpert
Councilman Metz
Councilman Obremski
Councilwoman Price
Mayor Napoliello
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Councilwoman Mitsch
SWEARING IN OF MAYOR AND DEPUTY MAYOR
Senator Anthony Bucco administered the Oath of Office to Allen Napoliello as Mayor for 2008.
Superior Court Judge Michael Wright administered the Oath of Office to Edward Metz as Deputy Mayor for 2008.
COMMENTS BY MAYOR AND COUNCIL—Goals and Objectives for 2008
Mayor Napoliello
Good Afternoon Everyone: I want to thank everyone for coming today and wish you all a very happy and prosperous New Year. I am both proud and honored to once again be elected Mayor of Randolph.
Before talking about what I hope to accomplish this year, I want to thank Mike Obremski for the fine job he did last year as Mayor. Mike has been a valuable asset to our community and he showed it last year as he did an outstanding job as our Mayor. I would like to live up to his standard this year. Thank you, Mike.
I also want to thank Trina Mitsch for the job she did last year as Deputy Mayor. And I offer congratulations to Ed Metz on his selection as this year’s Deputy Mayor.
My thanks go to Senator Bucco for taking the time from his very busy schedule to administer the Oath of Office to me today. Congratulations on your re-election victory in November, Senator. We are fortunate to have you represent us in Trenton.
Several years ago, Donna Luciani became Randolph’s Municipal Clerk. She has done an outstanding job since being appointed. Minutes are always up to date and recently she has taken on the records oversight for the Township. Township Manager John Lovell, who has worked with a number of Municipal Clerks in his lengthy career as a Municipal Administrator, says that “her career is developing so quickly that we may soon have one of the best New Jersey clerks in the profession”. My thanks to you, Donna, for a job well done.
Last year was a good year for Randolph. Here are some of the accomplishments about which I am most proud:
- In 2007, the Council voted unanimously to pass an ordinance to finance the cost of construction of a municipal community pool. In doing so, the Council was acting on research that indicated the pool would be self-sustaining and not reliant on an increase in property taxes. A referendum on this ordinance will be put to the residents in February. It is my sincere hope that all residents make it their business to be fully informed with the facts before voting, and then we in Randolph need to accept the results, no matter what they are, as the will of the people and move forward.
- Although there are few available undeveloped parcels of land left in Randolph, we were able to partner with the Morris County Municipal Utilities Authority to acquire the 33 acre Del Ben property. This acquisition is critical in the protection of the Alamatong Well Fields, the source for Randolph’s public water system.
- We also made progress on the purchase and preservation of additional properties comprising 13 acres in the Mill Brook Valley adjacent to other open space lands. Specifically, the Township moved forward with steps towards the acquisition of the Rebernik property on Piersons Hill Road, a five acre parcel of land that abuts and further protects the recently preserved Nitti Mountain tract. Closing will occur later this month.
- The Township also received the good news that a $550,000.00 grant has been received to purchase 20 acres of property eliminating six building lots on Tucker Avenue to support the Randolph trail system and future passive and active recreational pursuits.
- The Township was also awarded a $25,000.00 grant from a program sponsored by the NJDEP to install a new foot bridge that will cross Dawson Brook with a new trail extension that will run along Doby Road to the parking lot at Heistein Park.
- Also in 2007, the Township received an $80,000.00 award from the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Community Block Grant Program. This money will be used for the removal and replacement of the walkway in front of the apartment complex along Quaker Church Road and Center Grove Road. The sidewalk to be replaced extends from the exit of Fernbrook Elementary School to Jennifern Avenue. The existing sub-standard walkway is in poor condition. This walkway will be removed and replaced this year by an attractive 5-foot wide concrete sidewalk making it safer for students to walk to school.
- In November, the Township received a Special Recognition Award for the 2006 Annual Report/2007 Calendar from the Center for Government Services at Rutgers University, the New Jersey Municipal Management Association, and the New Jersey State League of Municipalities. This award recognized Randolph’s annual report for being an “outstanding component of the municipality’s overall public information program”.
- The relocation of the Mt. Freedom Post Office is well on its way as the construction of the building that will house the Post Office has begun. This will ensure that the Mt. Freedom facility will be in a more convenient and safer location on Sussex Turnpike.
- In 2007, Standard and Poors elevated the Township’s bond rating to AA+. We are one of seven out of 550 municipalities in New Jersey with a rating this high or better. This ensures that we can borrow money at significantly lower interest rates. This exceptional rating reflects the opinion of financial experts that Randolph is a progressive and fiscally responsible community.
As Mayor, it will be my personal goal to continue to be fiscally responsible while preserving the quality of life for the residents of Randolph.
Specifically, the following items are part of my agenda for 2008:
- I will invite residents to “Meet the Mayor” in Saturday morning Town Hall sessions. During these informal sessions I will inform residents on the happenings in town and invite questions from the audience. I believe that effective communications is an essential part of effective and efficient governance.
- I will actively look for ways to expand the cooperation between the Township and the Randolph Board of Education. There are many ways that services are shared at present, but with some creativity, I hope to blaze new trails with the folks across the street.
- One of the ways that we can take advantage of shared services is to work with the Board of Education on our Facilities Committee’s recommendation that the existing DPW Maintenance Building on Sussex Turnpike be redeveloped. The project will construct a new pre-fab steel building to be shared with the Board of Education for the maintenance of the school vehicle fleet which is now housed at a leased site. This project is also a candidate for solar generated electricity with roof panels built into the design. It is my recommendation that we fully investigate that possibility.
- Also, I will call for the development of concept plans for the E.A. Porter property on South Salem Street. This is the “forgotten section of town”. This area is badly in need of renovation.
- Later this month, the Council will be presented with a comprehensive energy audit. It is my goal to implement the findings of this audit, wherever possible, to save our taxpayers tax dollars through energy efficiency.
- Several weeks ago we heard from residents about problems they have encountered with the town’s fall leaf collection program. As a result, I plan to ask the Environmental Commission to undertake a project to review our current program and the constraints created by the State’s storm water protection regulations in order to make recommendations for possible improvements.
- The State of New Jersey has created several hurdles for the township to address in 2008. The Council on Affordable Housing has just released new rules which, upon adoption, could have an impact on future land use. Upon an initial review, the COAH rules will assign up to 200 affordable units to be developed in Randolph which, if privately developed, could mean upwards of 1,000 new homes. This news is confusing because it follows on the heels on the Highlands Council’s new Master Plan which appears to offer contrasting land use strategies for the town’s future. We need to immediately sort through these issues and develop new strategies to preserve the character of our town.
- We have several older buildings in need of renovation, including the VFW Building on Carrell Road and the two Calais Road buildings, the library and Senior Community Center. Projects are in design so that these assets can be enhanced for use by current and future generations.
I want to publicly thank my wife, JoAnn, for her unwavering support. She understands the time commitment needed to serve on the council and has been understanding and helpful. Also, I want to thank the members of my family and friends who came out to be here for me today.
The year 2005 was the year of Randolph’s bicentennial celebration and one of the ways we celebrated that momentous event was to have a Country Fair. The Fair was a tremendous success, and afterward, as Mayor, I was asked by many residents if we could do it again some time soon. Well, that’s a big job, but I believe the time for another Country Fair has come and I will ask my fellow Council members to provide budget support for an October Fair. Also, I will ask John Lovell and John Van Brunt to help provide volunteers to assist with the planning and implementation.
As Mayor, I look forward to working with these volunteers as well as the many other volunteers who give of their time to serve on the many township boards and committees.
Together, we will continue this great quality of life that we all enjoy in Randolph. The quality of life that makes Randolph the town “where life is worth living”. Thank you and, once again, happy New Year.
Deputy Mayor Metz
Thanks to everyone for coming today. To those dignitaries that Al thanked, I also appreciate the dedication and support you have given us for so many years. Congratulations to Al on being selected as Mayor, and also to Mike and Trina on jobs well done in 2007. I am proud to serve with all of you. I would also like to thank my family, Nancy and Erica, for being here today and always.
I am honored to be selected as Deputy Mayor and am eager to support the Mayor in accomplishing his objectives for 2008.
In 2007, as the Mayor stated, Randolph had many accomplishments. The Traffic Advisory Committee also had a huge accomplishment. This committee was able to raise money and obtain a $22,000.00 grant from State Farm to implement a new Teen Driver Safety Program in the High School. This program has been adopted by the Board of Education and involved parents attending a 1 1/2 hour meeting and the students attending a four-hour session. The Municipal Court Judge also attends these meetings and provides some real life experiences for the attendees. The feedback has been extremely positive and will hopefully save lives. These educational classes are given monthly. The committee, along with the Board of Education, is currently reviewing driving simulators to purchase for the school with the funds received.
Another 2007 accomplishment the Mayor mentioned was the pool. Back in 2004, prior to deciding to run for Town Council, I volunteered to be on the Pool Committee to see if it was feasible to build a pool that would not raise taxes. A volunteer committee was formed and chaired by Linda Johnson. I would like to thank them for a job well done. Municipal pool consultants were hired, a two year study was done, reports were made available to the public, an independent review was done by the Manager and the town CFO, and it was presented to the State. In short, we did our due diligence. This comprehensive review revealed that Randolph would be able to build a self-sustaining pool. One that would not raise taxes. We discovered 20 towns where pools were operating without raising taxes. Twenty profitable towns. We had conversations with municipal officials from many of these 20 towns and heard great success stories. The Council reviewed all available data and voted unanimously 7-0 to move forward. We felt this would be a good thing for Randolph, a family community, a great asset that would integrate new families into the town. An asset that would not raise taxes.
A petition to force a vote occurred which will now cost the town over $20,000.00 to hold a special election. I would ask residents to read the information available on the website or at the Library and vote on February 26. It’s as simple as a yes vote and Randolph gets a pool. A no vote and Randolph does not get a pool. Whichever way it goes, I fully support.
Over the years, Randolph has shown me that it is a “can-do” community. I remember when CCM was built, when the YMCA opened, the development of Brundage Park, the tennis courts, the trail system, Freedom Park, and this past year’s renovation of the Brundage Playhouse. A pool would be another great addition to our “can-do” community.
In regards to the Mayor’s objectives for 2008, I believe the “Meet the Mayor” sessions will be very valuable in hearing the community’s concerns and providing information on current events in town. I would also like to participate in enhancing communication with the community. I would like to see if improvements can be made to the Township’s website as well as exploring other avenues. I have found the email and text messaging system that the schools use to be extremely effective. These methods are paid for by local businesses. I would like to see if this can be done at the municipal level. Perhaps residents could sign up to be notified via text message or email regarding issues such as leaf collection, water restrictions, or Country Fair information.
I, like our Mayor, will also participate in looking for ways to expand our working relationship with the Board of Education. In an effort to be fiscally responsible, we have to fully explore wherever we can to share services. According to the Township website, 68% of property taxes—yours and ours—go to the schools while 15% goes to the municipality. While I do believe we are making progress in working with the school board, I feel that further exploration in the area where most of our taxes go cannot hurt.
We are fortunate to have an experienced management team in Randolph that has done a tremendous job for many years. About this time last year, there was an article in the Star Ledger showing tax increases by town and by county throughout the state over the last ten years. Randolph had one of the lowest percentage property tax increases in the county over that period. I truly do believe that without the strong leadership of the Town Manager, the CFO, and others that this would not have been attainable. During my first year on the council, I have seen this first hand. As we look to 2008, we need to continue this strong leadership and do whatever we can to provide this great quality of life at a reasonable price. I look forward to helping wherever I can.
Thank you, and happy New Year.
Lee Whilden—Point of order. I’d like to state for the public’s information that Mr. Metz was on the Pool Committee and I don’t think a Reorganization Meeting is the place to push your agenda forward. You’ve been unfair to the public by misleading and, frankly, fraudulent statements.
Councilman Algeier
In addition to the elected officials that we mentioned earlier, I would also like to recognize in our audience Commander Jack Sassaman from Randolph Post VFW 733. Jack has brought new life to the post, and as a member of the Facilities Committee it’s been my pleasure to work with our architect and with Jack to help refurbish the building and give it new life. I think it’s going to be a great addition to our inventory of municipal properties. In case you’re not aware of it, the Post donated that land and the building to the township, and the only stipulation is that they are allowed to use the bottom half of the facility for their meetings, otherwise the town has free use of that building for any of its programs, etc. Thank you, Jack, and thank you to our veterans.
At this time, I’d also like to put a plug in for our flag distributions that we have here in Randolph. Any serviceman or woman who served in the theater of combat, primarily Afghanistan or Iraq, but any theater of combat is eligible to receive a Randolph Township flag. It’s a program we started a number of years ago, I believe we’ve donated close to 15 or 20 flags to those servicemen and women, veterans as well as active duty people, who are either on their way to Iraq or recently returned from Iraq. If anyone in the audience or anyone in the community is aware of anyone who qualifies and has not yet received a flag, please bring that information to our attention. In Randolph we support our servicemen and women and we support our veterans and we support the war against terror.
This year, I plan to support the Mayor and Deputy Mayor’s initiatives, and I’d also like to welcome Mike Obremski to a fraternity known as the Former Mayor Fraternity. If you look at the agenda, Item 3, it gives Mike the first opportunity to see the word “former” in front of Mayor in front of his name. Get used to it Mike. You’re off the chair and we turn it over to some good hands.
I’d also like to thank Trina. She was my Deputy Mayor a couple of years ago. She’s a great person and she’s a great leader here in Randolph Township.
As far as my own initiatives are concerned, this year I’ve volunteered to take a new position on the council called liaison to the Safety Committee. In local government there are high profile positions and there are low profile positions. I view this position as a zero profile position. I expect to work in the background with some of our staff members to make Randolph a safer community for our employees who provide their time and their effort to work with the community, and also to citizens of Randolph and visitors to Randolph who use our facilities. As you can see, there’s no worry in this job. In fact, I’ve already been told that it meets during the day so that our staff members can be available, so I’m looking forward to losing time from work to take this job. Be that as it may, this is a volunteer position. Nobody told me I had to be on the council. I thank everyone who has supported me in the past, and I thank my fellow council members for doing a great job here for the community and I look forward to another year on the council. Thank you.
Councilman Alpert
Good afternoon. It’s amazing to see everybody here today.
More often than not, when we get up in the morning and look at the newspaper or watch the news, all of our focus is on things that are happening globally, whether it’s in Afghanistan, Iraq, Venezuela buying submarines from Russia, Iran building nuclear facilities. All of this has an important impact on our lives, but what we often forget is, when we look around, how lucky we are to be living in Randolph. How wonderful the community is, our neighbors, our families. The neighborhoods we have here are beyond what you find elsewhere. We have one of the most incredible groups of people I’ve ever seen in any town working together here. The staff here in Town Hall is absolutely incredible. I thank John Lovell for his direction with that. The Council, which I can honestly say and it makes me very happy to say, is beyond reproach. Everyday when you read a newspaper you see all the political scandals taking place state-wide. I know that all those I’m working with on the Council, when I say above reproach, I’m talking about above reproach to the nth degree. It’s a pleasure and honor to work with everybody here. I also want to wish everybody here a very happy and healthy New Year, and I know one of the most dangerous places to speak is between an audience and a reception. So with that, happy and healthy New Year to everybody.
Councilman Obremski
Mayor, you mentioned the energy audit that’s coming out very soon. I will lend my full support to helping in any way I can to implement measures in that report. I did get an advance copy to take a look at. There were some very interesting recommendations in there and hopefully with my expertise we can put some of those things together and save some dollars for the citizens of Randolph in 2008. I will do whatever I have to to help you with that.
Councilwoman Price
I’d like to thank you all for coming here on New Year’s Day and I wish you all a very prosperous and happy New Year. I, too, would like to lend my support to the Mayor and Deputy Mayor and the rest of the council in carrying out the goals we have set for the town and in serving Randolph to the best of our abilities. It’s been a pleasure and an honor to serve as your councilwoman for the past two years and I look forward to the work that we have ahead in making Randolph a place “where life is worth living”. Have a very happy New Year, and enjoy the reception that we’re going to be breaking for in just a moment.
NOMINATION OF MUNICIPAL COURT JUDGE/SWEARING IN
Councilman Algeier nominated Ira Cohen as the Municipal Court Judge for 2008. Councilman Obremski seconded the motion, and the following roll call vote was taken:
AYES:
Councilman Algeier
Councilman Alpert
Councilman Obremski
Councilwoman Price
Deputy Mayor Metz
Mayor Napoliello
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Councilwoman Mitsch
State Superior Court Judge Michael Wright administered the Oath of Office to Ira Cohen.
TOWNSHIP MANAGER APPOINTMENTS/SWEARING IN
(1) Fire Department Chief
(2) Deputy Fire Chief
Manager Lovell reaffirmed Mark Absalon’s appointment as Fire Chief and Bill Wagner’s appointment as Deputy Fire Chief for 2008.
COMMENTS BY FIRE CHIEF
Fire Chief Absalon was not present at the Reorganization Meeting.
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT COORDINATOR
Manager Lovell noted that Ray Stromberg has been appointed as the Emergency Management Coordinator for 2008.
ADJOURN FOR RECEPTION IN MAIN FOYER
At 1:50 p.m. Council adjourned for a reception in the main foyer of the Municipal Building.
RECONVENE
The Reorganization Meeting reconvened at 2:30 p.m.
The record will reflect that Council members in attendance is the same as was taken at the beginning of the meeting.
COUNCIL APPOINTMENTS FOR 2008
Deputy Clerk—1 year term
Councilman Alpert nominated Donna Brady to serve as Deputy Clerk for 2008. Mayor Napoliello seconded the motion, and the following roll call vote was taken:
AYES:
Councilman Algeier
Councilman Alpert
Councilman Obremski
Councilwoman Price
Deputy Mayor Metz
Mayor Napoliello
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Councilwoman Mitsch
Township Attorney—1 year term
Councilman Algeier nominated Edward J. Buzak and the Buzak law firm LLC to serve as Township Attorney for 2008. Deputy Mayor Metz seconded the motion, and the following roll call vote was taken:
AYES:
Councilman Algeier
Councilman Alpert
Councilman Obremski
Councilwoman Price
Deputy Mayor Metz
Mayor Napoliello
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Councilwoman Mitsch
Special Counsel for Labor and Negotiations—1 year term
Mayor Napoliello nominated Fred Knapp to serve as Special Counsel for Labor and Negotiations for 2008. Councilman Alpert seconded the motion, and the following roll call vote was taken:
AYES:
Councilman Algeier
Councilman Alpert
Councilman Obremski
Councilwoman Price
Deputy Mayor Metz
Mayor Napoliello
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Councilwoman Mitsch
Special Counsel for Tax Appeals—1 year term
Deputy Mayor Metz nominated Richard DeAngelis to serve as Special Counsel for Tax Appeals for 2008. Councilman Obremski seconded the motion, and the following roll call vote was taken:
AYES:
Councilman Algeier
Councilman Alpert
Councilman Obremski
Councilwoman Price
Deputy Mayor Metz
Mayor Napoliello
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Councilwoman Mitsch
Special Counsel for Negotiations and Preparation of Developer’s Agreements—1 year term
Councilman Obremski nominated Anthony Bucco, Jr. to serve as Special Counsel for Negotiations and Preparation of Developer’s Agreements for 2008. Councilwoman Price seconded the motion, and the following roll call vote was taken:
AYES:
Councilman Algeier
Councilman Alpert
Councilman Obremski
Councilwoman Price
Deputy Mayor Metz
Mayor Napoliello
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Councilwoman Mitsch
Bond Counsel—1 year term
Councilwoman Price nominated Jack Kraft to serve as Bond Counsel for 2008. Deputy Mayor Metz seconded the motion, and the following roll call vote was taken:
AYES:
Councilman Algeier
Councilman Alpert
Councilman Obremski
Councilwoman Price
Deputy Mayor Metz
Mayor Napoliello
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Councilwoman Mitsch
Prosecutor—1 year term
Councilman Algeier nominated Michael Cresitello to serve as Prosecutor for 2008. Councilman Obremski seconded the motion, and the following roll call vote was taken:
AYES:
Councilman Algeier
Councilman Alpert
Councilman Obremski
Councilwoman Price
Deputy Mayor Metz
Mayor Napoliello
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Councilwoman Mitsch
Public Defender—1 year term
Councilman Algeier nominated Allan Iskra to serve as the primary Public Defender for 2008. Councilman Obremski seconded the motion, and the following roll call vote was taken:
AYES:
Councilman Algeier
Councilman Alpert
Councilman Obremski
Councilwoman Price
Deputy Mayor Metz
Mayor Napoliello
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Councilwoman Mitsch
Councilman Algeier nominated Andrew Blair to serve as Deputy Public Defender for conflict issues for 2008. Councilman Obremski seconded the motion, and the following roll call vote was taken:
AYES:
Councilman Algeier
Councilman Alpert
Councilman Obremski
Councilwoman Price
Deputy Mayor Metz
Mayor Napoliello
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Councilwoman Mitsch
Township Auditor—1 year term
Councilwoman Price nominated William Shroeder of Nisivoccia & Co. to serve as Township Auditor for 2008. Deputy Mayor Metz seconded the motion, and the following roll call vote was taken:
AYES:
Councilman Algeier
Councilman Alpert
Councilman Obremski
Councilwoman Price
Deputy Mayor Metz
Mayor Napoliello
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Councilwoman Mitsch
Township Physicians—1 year term
Councilwoman Price nominated Dr. Duane Sossong and Immediate Medical C.C. to serve as Township Physicians for 2008. Councilman Obremski seconded the motion, and the following roll call vote was taken:
AYES:
Councilman Algeier
Councilman Alpert
Councilman Obremski
Councilwoman Price
Deputy Mayor Metz
Mayor Napoliello
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Councilwoman Mitsch
Municipal Historian—1 year term
Councilwoman Price nominated Linda Pawchak to serve as Township Historian for 2008. Councilman Obremski seconded the motion, and the following roll call vote was taken:
AYES:
Councilman Algeier
Councilman Alpert
Councilman Obremski
Councilwoman Price
Deputy Mayor Metz
Mayor Napoliello
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Councilwoman Mitsch
Planning Board
Councilman Obremski nominated Thomas MacArthur to serve a four year term on the Planning Board, Myra Sesko and Mayor Napoliello to serve as Official members on the Planning Board, and Councilman Algeier to serve as the Official Council Member on the Planning Board.
Councilman Alpert seconded the motion, and the following roll call vote was taken:
AYES:
Councilman Algeier
Councilman Alpert
Councilman Obremski
Councilwoman Price
Deputy Mayor Metz
Mayor Napoliello
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Councilwoman Mitsch
Board of Adjustment
Deputy Mayor Metz nominated Margaret Finnerin and Harry Gerken to serve four year terms on the Board of Adjustment, Gene Stracco to serve as Alternate #1 for a two year term, and John Sharples to serve as Alternate #2 for a two year term.
Councilman Alpert seconded the motion, and the following roll call vote was taken:
AYES:
Councilman Algeier
Councilman Alpert
Councilman Obremski
Councilwoman Price
Deputy Mayor Metz
Mayor Napoliello
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Councilwoman Mitsch
Board of Health
Councilwoman Price nominated Roger Friedlander to serve as Alternate #2 for a one year term on the Board of Health.
Councilman Obremski seconded the motion, and the following roll call vote was taken:
AYES:
Councilman Algeier
Councilman Alpert
Councilman Obremski
Councilwoman Price
Deputy Mayor Metz
Mayor Napoliello
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Councilwoman Mitsch
Parks Committee
Councilman Obremski nominated Kristen Knapp to serve as a Student Member on the Parks Committee.
Councilwoman Price seconded the motion, and the following roll call vote was taken:
AYES:
Councilman Algeier
Councilman Alpert
Councilman Obremski
Councilwoman Price
Deputy Mayor Metz
Mayor Napoliello
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Councilwoman Mitsch
Environmental Commission
Councilwoman Price nominated Art Lee and Walter Nickens to serve three year terms on the Environmental Commission, Mike Whiting to serve as Alternate #1 for a two year term, and John Scorsone to serve as Alternate #2 for a two year term.
Deputy Mayor Metz seconded the motion, and the following roll call vote was taken:
AYES:
Councilman Algeier
Councilman Alpert
Councilman Obremski
Councilwoman Price
Deputy Mayor Metz
Mayor Napoliello
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Councilwoman Mitsch
Landmarks Committee
Councilman Obremski nominated Janet Lorey to serve a three year term on the Landmarks Committee, Joan Brembs to serve as Alternate #1 for a three year term, and Charles Whitehead to serve as Alternate #2 for a three year term.
Deputy Mayor Metz seconded the motion, and the following roll call vote was taken:
AYES:
Councilman Algeier
Councilman Alpert
Councilman Obremski
Councilwoman Price
Deputy Mayor Metz
Mayor Napoliello
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Councilwoman Mitsch
Board of Assessments for Local Improvements
Councilman Algeier nominated Michael Guadagno to serve a two year term on the Board of Assessments for Local Improvements.
Councilman Obremski seconded the motion, and the following roll call vote was taken:
AYES:
Councilman Algeier
Councilman Alpert
Councilman Obremski
Councilwoman Price
Deputy Mayor Metz
Mayor Napoliello
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Councilwoman Mitsch
Economic Development Committee
Councilman Alpert nominated John Ragan, Trey Flood, and Edward Finnis to serve three year terms on the Economic Development Committee, and Crissy Morris to serve as a Student Member on the Economic Development Committee.
Deputy Mayor Metz seconded the motion, and the following roll call vote was taken:
AYES:
Councilman Algeier
Councilman Alpert
Councilman Obremski
Councilwoman Price
Deputy Mayor Metz
Mayor Napoliello
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Councilwoman Mitsch
Recreation Advisory Committee
Councilman Obremski nominated Iva Cook, Maureen Finley-Wohnsigl, Edward Kennedy, and Dan Limone to serve one year terms on the Recreation Advisory Committee, and Paul O’Malley and Charles D’Amato to serve three year terms on the Recreation Advisory Committee.
Deputy Mayor Metz seconded the motion, and the following roll call vote was taken:
AYES:
Councilman Algeier
Councilman Alpert
Councilman Obremski
Councilwoman Price
Deputy Mayor Metz
Mayor Napoliello
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Councilwoman Mitsch
Community Services Advisory Committee
Mayor Napoliello nominated Lorraine Hopler, Doris Dolan, and Barbara Anderson to serve one year terms on the Community Services Advisory Committee.
Councilman Obremski seconded the motion, and the following roll call vote was taken:
AYES:
Councilman Algeier
Councilman Alpert
Councilman Obremski
Councilwoman Price
Deputy Mayor Metz
Mayor Napoliello
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Councilwoman Mitsch
Library Board of Trustees
Mayor Napoliello nominated Evelyn Hammaren to serve a five year term on the Library Board of Trustees, and Nancy Metz to serve as the Mayor’s Alternate on the Library Board of Trustees.
Councilwoman Price seconded the motion, and the following roll call vote was taken:
AYES:
Councilman Algeier
Councilman Alpert
Councilman Obremski
Councilwoman Price
Deputy Mayor Metz
Mayor Napoliello
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Councilwoman Mitsch
Open Space Committee
Councilman Alpert nominated Rohit Ratnala to serve as a Student Member on the Open Space Committee.
Councilman Obremski seconded the motion, and the following roll call vote was taken:
AYES:
Councilman Algeier
Councilman Alpert
Councilman Obremski
Councilwoman Price
Deputy Mayor Metz
Mayor Napoliello
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Councilwoman Mitsch
Board and Committee Representatives to Open Space Committee
Napoliello—We don’t usually appoint these. We let the committees decide who they want to represent them. I would ask the Township Council members who are the liaisons to those committees to please, at the first time you meet with them, to elect these positions.
Traffic Advisory Committee
Councilman Obremski nominated Cara Holland, Joanne Veech, Edwin Kennedy, and Audrey Verona to serve two year terms on the Traffic Advisory Committee, and Geneva Campbell to serve as an Alternate for a two year term on the Traffic Advisory Committee.
Deputy Mayor Metz seconded the motion, and the following roll call vote was taken:
AYES:
Councilman Algeier
Councilman Alpert
Councilman Obremski
Councilwoman Price
Deputy Mayor Metz
Mayor Napoliello
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Councilwoman Mitsch
Council Liaisons
Economic Development—Councilwoman Price
Community Services—Mayor Napoliello
Landmarks—Deputy Mayor Metz
Environmental Commission—Councilwoman Mitsch
Parks Committee—Councilwoman Mitsch
Municipal Alliance Committee—Deputy Mayor Metz
Recreation Committee—Councilman Obremski
Board of Health—Councilwoman Price
County College of Morris—Councilman Algeier
Board of Education—Deputy Mayor Metz
Open Space Committee—Councilman Alpert
Rescue Squad—Councilwoman Mitsch
Fire Department—Councilman Alpert
Traffic Advisory Committee—Councilman Obremski
Safety Committee—Councilman Algeier
CONSENT AGENDA
Councilman Algeier made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda Items.
Councilman Obremski seconded the motion, and the following roll call vote was taken:
AYES:
Councilman Algeier
Councilman Alpert
Councilman Obremski
Councilwoman Price
Deputy Mayor Metz
Mayor Napoliello
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Councilwoman Mitsch
A. Resolutions
(1) Rate of Interest on Delinquent Taxes and Delinquent Water and Sewer
R-01-08
WHEREAS, N.J.S.A. 54:4-67 has been amended to permit the charging of 8% of the first $1,500.00 of delinquent taxes and assessments, and 18% on any amount in excess of $1,500.00; and
WHEREAS, N.J.S.A. 54 also permits the charging of 8% interest on the first $1,500.00 of delinquent water and sewer charges and 18% interest on any amount in excess of $1,500.00; and
WHEREAS, the delinquent charges on finance agreements is 1 1/2 % per month in each installment in default for thirty (30) days.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the Township of Randolph, County of Morris, as follows:
1. The rate of interest to be charged for nonpayment of taxes, assessments, water and sewer charges, on or before the due date shall be 8% per annum for the first $1,500.00 and 18% on any amount in excess of $1,500.00.
2. No interest shall be charged if payment of any taxes and assessments is made within ten (10) calendar days of due date.
3. The rate of interest to be charged on delinquent finance agreements is 1-1/2% per month in each installment in default for thirty (30) days.
4. This Resolution shall take effect on January 1, 2008.
(2) Bank Depositories
R-02-08
BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the Township of Randolph, Morris County, New Jersey, that the following list of banks be designated as depositories for Township funds for the year 2008:
Chase Bank
PNC Bank
Bank of America
New Jersey Cash Management Fund
First Morris Bank
Commerce Bank
Lakeland Bank
Heritage Community Bank
(3) Fees for Agendas
R-03-08
WHEREAS, N.J.S.A. 10:4-6 et seq., known as the “Open Public Meetings Act”, requires notices to be given of meetings of public bodies, as defined and prescribed in said statute, and further provides for the fixing of a reasonable charge to be paid by any person requesting such notices.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the Township of Randolph, Morris County, New Jersey, as follows:
1. The Randolph Reporter is the Official Designated Newspaper and the Morris County Daily Record is the “backup” Official Designated Newspaper and they are hereby designated as the newspapers to receive notices of all meetings of this Township Council for the calendar year 2008 as required by the “Open Public Meetings Act”.
2. The bulletin board located immediately adjacent to the Municipal Clerk’s Office in the main hallway of the Randolph Municipal Building shall be the place for posting all notices of meetings of the Township Council during the 2008 calendar year.
3. The sum of twenty ($20.00) dollars is hereby fixed as the fee to be paid by any person requesting that notices of meetings of the Township Council of the Township of Randolph during the 2008 calendar year be mailed to such person; but, as provided in N.J.S.A. 40:4-19, no charge shall be made to any newspaper requesting the mailing of such notices to its business office.
4. Certified copies of this Resolution shall be mailed by the Clerk of the Township to the Randolph Reporter and the Morris County Daily Record and a certified copy shall be filed with the Clerk of the Township.
(4) Signatures on Checks
R-04-08
BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the Township of Randolph that the signatures of the Township Manager and Township Treasurer shall be required on all checks drawn against Township accounts.
(5) Official Newspaper
R-05-08
BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the Township of Randolph, Morris County, New Jersey, that the Randolph Reporter be designated as the Official Newspaper for the Township of Randolph for the year 2008 and the Morris County Daily Record is the “backup” Official Designated Newspaper and are hereby designated as the newspapers to receive legal notices for the Township of Randolph for the calendar year 2008.
(6) Certifying Agent to Police & Firemen’s Retirement System and Public Employees’ Retirement System
R-06-08
BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the Township of Randolph, Morris County, New Jersey, that Michael Soccio, Director of Finance, be appointed Certifying Agent for the Township’s Police and Firemen’s Retirement System and the Public Employees’ Retirement System for the year 2008.
(7) Assessment Search Officer
R-07-08
BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the Township of Randolph, Morris County, New Jersey, that the Municipal Clerk be appointed Assessment Search Officer of the Township of Randolph for the year 2008.
(8) Cash Management Plan
R-08-08
WHEREAS, the Township of Randolph adopted a Cash Management Plan on April 2, 1997; and
WHEREAS, the State of New Jersey amended the statutory provisions governing cash management plans and permitted investments; and
WHEREAS, the Director of Finance has amended the Cash Management Plan of the Township of Randolph to incorporate those provisions.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Township Council, Township of Randolph, County of Morris, State of New Jersey, that the Cash Management Plan as amended be approved.
COUNCIL AND MANAGER COMMENTS
Councilman Algeier congratulated the Mayor and Deputy Mayor, thanked everyone in attendance, and wished everyone a happy New Year.
Councilman Alpert stated that he is looking forward to a very positive year in 2008 and believes there to be a great team in place in Randolph.
Councilwoman Price echoed the sentiments expressed by Councilman Alpert and wished everyone a happy and prosperous New Year.
Deputy Mayor Metz stated that he is looking forward to 2008 and will do the best job possible for Randolph.
Mayor Napoliello stated that he is also looking forward to 2008 and will do his best to serve Randolph. He thanked the Manager and Assistant Manager for all of the help they have provided throughout the year.
Manager Lovell stated that he is looking forward to an exciting year. He believes there is a lot to be accomplished in Randolph, and, although there are challenges, he expects those challenges to be met successfully. He agrees there is a great team in Randolph with the Council and Township staff all working together to make Randolph the best it can be.
OPEN TO PUBLIC
The Mayor opened the meeting to the public. Seeing no one from the public, the public portion was closed.
ADJOURNMENT
The Mayor adjourned the meeting at 3:00 p.m.
Donna Marie Luciani
Township Clerk