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

Minutes: January 23, 2020

A. OPENING OF REGULAR MEETING

1. Call to Order

A regular meeting of the Randolph Township Council was called to order at 7:00 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 and Attorney Ed Buzak from the Buzak Law Group

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. MANAGER’S REPORT

Manager Mountain reported the following:

Inter-local Agreement Morris County Traffic Sign at Hanover Avenue and Sussex Turnpike—under Combined Action, Resolution 56-20 authorizes the execution of an agreement with Morris County for the joint purchase of an electronic sign to be installed at the intersection of West Hanover Avenue and Sussex Turnpike to improve traffic control in the intersection. The sign to be installed will flash no turn on red when traffic entering the intersection from Brookside Road has a green light allowing for a left hand turn onto Sussex Turnpike. Currently traffic in both directions are making the turn into the same space causing accidents and near accidents. A similar sign was installed at an intersection in Morristown resulting in improved traffic flow. The inter-local agreement before the Council provides for a split of the project costs which are estimated to be approximately $8,500. The township’s portion of the project will be funded between the Traffic Advisory Committee and Police Department.
Defibrillator Installation—Deputy Mayor Veech asked for a brief report on the status of defibrillator installation in township facilities. Defibrillators have been installed in town hall: outside court room, outside of nurses’ office, in the Police Department, and in all police patrol vehicles as well as several DPW vehicles. We have several other units ordered for install at the DPW, Community Center and VFW. Currently all of our nurses in town hall and police officers are trained and certified to utilize. We will be scheduling further training this year for additional staff and will look to open the training up to any interested members of the Township Council.
Budget—the 2020 proposed budget books are in the Council’s boxes. The first budget work-session is scheduled for Saturday, January 25th at 8:30 a.m. Additional work-sessions are scheduled for Thursday, February 6th at 5 p.m. and Saturday, February 22nd at 8:30 a.m.
Special Branch Collection—the Public Works Department is in the final collection zone for the special branch collection initiated in follow-up to the December ice storm. Weather permitting their work should be completed in the coming week. He has received a constant stream of positive emails, letters and calls about the township’s decision to conduct the clean up and the manner in which the men have conducted the work. He commended Director Tom Sweeney and all the men who have been part of the clean-up for their extra efforts.

Councilman Loveys asked for some clarification on the new electronic sign at the intersection of West Hanover Avenue and Sussex Turnpike; there was a brief discussion.

Councilman Tkacs stated that a few people spoke to him about the branch pickup; they were very pleased. He thought the crews did a great job.

D. APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES

1. Approving the Minutes of the Council Reorganization Meeting Held on January 2, 2020

Councilman Forstenhausler made a motion to approve the minutes from the January 2, 2020 Council Reorganization meeting. 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

E. COMBINED ACTION RESOLUTIONS

Item #21, Animal Control Services to Dover—Councilman Nisivoccia asked if that would still be moving forward in 2020. He noted that the contract was signed by former Mayor Dodd; the Manager explained that it was signed last fall before he left office, but it is still moving forward.

Item #23, Change Order for 2019 Leaf Loading—Councilman Loveys noted that in the contract there’s an option for the township or Rotondi to load the leaves; he asked if the township has been loading. Manager Mountain stated that the township is loading. Councilman Loveys asked if the township was able to pack them. The Manager explained that the township is allowed to pack them, but Rotondi doesn’t really like it since the township can pack a lot more in. It is one of the reasons why their price increased slightly in their last bid, but township staff still feels it’s cost-effective.

R-24-20 Authorizing the Award of MCCPC Contract #5 (Paving Materials) to Tilcon New York, Inc. and Stavola Asphalt Company, Inc.
R-25-20 Authorizing the Contracts with Certain Approved State Contract Vendors for Contracting Units Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:11-12a
R-26-20Authorizing Contracts Under the MCCPC Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:11-11(5)
R-27-20 Authorizing Contracts Under the Educational Services Commission of New Jersey Cooperative Pricing System (ESCNJ) Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:11-11(5)
R-28-20 Authorizing Contracts Under the Somerset County Cooperative Pricing Council (SOCCP) Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:11-11(5)
R-29-20 Authorizing the Release of Maintenance Bond for Public Improvements Associated with Primrose School, 2A Middlebury Blvd.—$18,877.35
R-30-20 Authorizing Request by 4 Clean Up Inc., in Association with Work on the 2017 Quaker Church Road Resurfacing Project to Release the Performance Bond in the Amount of $232,430.75 and to Release the Project Contract’s Final Payment Plus 2% Retainage Totaling $17,931.62 to 4 Clean Up, Inc. and to Accept a 2-Year Maintenance Bond in the Amount of $21,887.66
R-31-20 Authorizing Release of Cash Road Opening Bond for the Purpose of Connecting to the Township Water Service at 2A Middlebury Blvd., Block 18.01, Lot 1.11 to Rising Star Realty—$500.00
R-32-20 Release of Police Detail Escrow to R&R Construction—$391.50
R-33-20 Refunding Remaining Escrow Funds for 140 Route 10, Block 196, Lot 5 to Noches de Colombia/Vedugal, LLC—$230.10
R-34-20 Refund Remaining Escrow Funds for 1272 Sussex Turnpike, Block 92, Lot 7 to Exxon/Mobil c/o A&R Oil Co.—$1,473.72
R-35-20 Refund Remaining Escrow Funds for 274 South Salem St., Block 195, Lot 20 to Morris Habitat—$579.08
R-36-20 Authorizing Cancellation of 2019 Property Tax Refunds or Delinquent Amounts Less Than $10.00
R-37-20 Refund Tax Sale Certificate for Block 161, Lot 3, 7 Spring Hill Road to CC1 NJ II, LLC—$3,252.28
R-38-20 Refund Tax Sale Certificate for Block 166, Lot 4.04, 1 Block Ct. to TFS Cust for FIG Cap Inv NJ13, LLC—$3,131.20
R-39-20 Refund Tax Sale Certificate for Block 210, Lot 8, 28 Lake Shore Drive South to Four Corners Capital—$3,994.90
R-40-20 Refund Tax Sale Certificate for Block 141, Lot 18, 20 Quaker Church Rd. to PC5, LLC—$3,086.68
R-41-20 Refund Tax Sale Certificate for Block 51, Lot 1, 2 Doby Rd., US Bank cust Actlien Holding—$61,579.55
R-42-20 Authorizing the Tax Collector to Credit the Account for Block 46, Lot 11 as Tax Exempt due to the Property Owner Being Deemed 100% Disabled by the Veteran’s Administration
R-43-20 Designating Manager Stephen Mountain to Serve as Randolph Township’s Public Agency Compliance Officer (P.A.C.O.) for the Year 2020
R-44-20 Authorizing the Mayor to Sign the Agreement for Randolph to Provide Animal Control Services to the Town of Dover for the Year 2020
R-45-20 Authorizing the Award of a Professional Services Agreement to Kristine Wilsusen for Health Specialist Services for 2020—Not to Exceed $22,000
R-46-20 Authorizing Change Order #1 to Increase a Contract by the Amount of $29,000 for the 2019 Leaf Loading, Hauling and Proper Recycling Bid Awarded to S. Rotondi & Sons, Inc. of Summit, NJ Bringing the New Not-to Exceed Total to $174,000
R-47-20 Authorizing the Change Order #2 to Increase a Contract by $25,000 for a Professional Services Agreement to Harbor Consultants, Inc. for the Planning Services for the Affordable Housing Program (COAH) Bringing the new Not-to-Exceed Total to $75,000
R-48-20 Authorizing the Award of a Professional Services Agreement to American Animal Hospital and Animal Clinic of Morris Plains for Veterinary Services for the Year 2020—the Total Aggregate Contract Amount is Not to Exceed $8,000
R-49-20 Authorizing Change Order #1 to Increase the Contract by $9,998.98 for the Woodlawn Sanitary Sewer Project with Shauger Property Services, Inc. Bringing the New Not-to-Exceed Total to $295,498.98
R-50-20 Refund Remaining Escrow Funds for Nicole’s 10, 246 Route 10, Block 137, Lot 30 to Dabal Enterprises—$1,094.25
R-51-20 Refund Remaining Escrow Funds for 500 Route 10 West, Block 111, Lot 7 to Morris Tap and Grill—$228.75
R-52-20 Refund Remaining Escrow Funds for Block 188, Lots 3 & 5, 29 & 33 Reed Street to Mal Bros.—$346.46
R-53-20 Refund Remaining Escrow Fund for Block 44, Lot 31.01, 146 Dover Chester Rd., to Hebrew Academy of Morris County—$410.81 Plus Interest
R-54-20 Refund Remaining Escrow Funds for Block 21, Lot 24, 1450 Sussex Tpke., to Vigilant Technologies—$668.75
R-55-20 Refund Remaining Escrow Funds for Block 18.01, Lot 1.12 to Primrose School, c/o Thomas Malman, Esq.—$4,271.20 Plus Interest
R-56-20 Authorizing the Mayor to Sign Agreement with Morris County for the Signal Modifications: Sussex Turnpike and West Hanover Avenue, Brookside Road Project—Randolph’s Portion $4,279.50
R-57-20 Release Road Opening Cash Bond for Block 129, Lot 4, 12 Fairfield Ave., Paid for the Purpose of Connecting to the Township Water Service and Sanitary Sewer Services to Rand Homes Corp.—$500.00
Raffle License, On-Premise 50/50, The Rose House, The Meadow Wood, 461 Route 10 East, Randolph on April 23, 2020 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Raffle License, Off-Premise Merchandise, Gottesman RTW Academy, 146 Dover Chester Rd., Randolph on June 9, 2020 at 8:00 p.m.
Raffle License, On-Premise 50/50, St. Matthew the Apostle Parish, 335 Dover Chester Rd., Randolph on February 15, 2020 from 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Raffle License, On-Premise 50/50, Music Boosters Club of West Morris Mendham High School, The Meadow Wood, 461 Route 10 East, Randolph on February 7, 2020 from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Raffle License, On-Premise Tricky Tray, Morris Habitat for Humanity, The Meadow Wood, 461 Route 10 East, Randolph on February 22, 2020 from 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Raffle License, Tricky Tray, RAM RAC—Wrestling Boosters, The Meadow Wood, 461 Route 10 East, Randolph on March 11, 2020 from 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Raffle License, Tricky Tray, RAM RAC—RHS Boys Lacrosse Boosters, on March 15, 2020, Ironia Firehouse, 331 Dover Chester Rd., Randolph from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Raffle License, Off-Premise Merchandise, St. Matthew the Apostle Parish, 335 Dover Chester Rd., Randolph on June 28, 2020 at 12:00 p.m.

Deputy Mayor Veech made a motion to approve the Combined Actions Resolutions. 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

F. UPCOMING EVENTS

Morris County Chamber of Commerce Event: 99th Annual Meeting Luncheon, Friday, January 24 from 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., Hanover Marriott, 1401 Route 10 East, Whippany
Council Budget Session, Saturday, January 25 at 8:30 a.m.
Pancake Breakfast, Stefan Strong Foundation, Sunday, January 26 from 8:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., Community Center, 30 Calais Road
Volunteer Appreciation Ceremony, Wednesday, January 29, 6:30 p.m. light dinner, followed by ceremony at 7:00 p.m., Community Center, 30 Calais Road
Council Budget Session, Thursday, February 6, 5:00 p.m., followed by Regular Council Meeting
Ironia Winterfest, Saturday, February 8 from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., Ironia Elementary School; snow date Sunday, February 9
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.
Council Budget Session, Saturday, February 22 at 8:30 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

G. ORDINANCE: INTRODUCTION

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

Manager Mountain explained that this is the annual ordinance which allows the municipality to bank unused dollars within the appropriation cap; it would provide flexibility in the event there was a crisis which impacted the budget in a way that caused the township to need to exceed the cap.

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 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 6th of February 2020 at 5:00 p.m. 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.

Councilman Forstenhausler made a motion to introduce the ordinance. 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

2. Ordinance No. 02-20 Authorizing the Acceptance of a Dedication of a Portion of Lot 22.03, Block 101 on the Official Tax Map of the Township of Randolph, Morris County, New Jersey from Pulte Homes of NJ, Limited Partnership (Widening of Brookside Road)

Manager Mountain explained that this is a dedication of right of way that was a deed provided by Pulte Homes in association with the Kensington Square project; this ordinance accepts that dedication.

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 THE TOWNSHIP OF RANDOLPH, MORRIS COUNTY, NEW JERSEY FROM PULTE HOMES OF NJ, LIMITED PARNTERSHIP (WIDENING OF BROOKSIDE ROAD)” be introduced, read by title by the Township Clerk and passed on first reading.

Councilman Loveys felt that the wording in the second paragraph should be slightly revised. He suggested adding “dedication”; the sentence would read, “...to the Township of Randolph for the purpose of right of way dedication (widening of Brookside Road)...” Attorney Buzak agreed with the suggestion.

Councilman Loveys made a motion to introduce the ordinance as amended, with the addition of the word “dedication” in the second paragraph, prior to the parentheses. Councilman Forstenhausler 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

H. DISCUSSION ITEMS

1. Manager’s Goals for 2020

Manager Mountain reported the following:

2020 Budget—complete a budget which meets the needs of the community and balances the long-term financial stability of the township.
Cell Tower—the building permit has been approved, with construction expected to start this year. The tower company that has the contract will remove the existing tower and is responsible for constructing the new tower and moving all of the township’s equipment as well as installing the equipment of any of the carriers on the tower.

Deputy Mayor Veech asked what happens to the communications at the municipal complex when the old tower is taken down. Manager Mountain explained that the company will coordinate putting up the new tower first before removing the old tower; it will be done in a seamless way so there is no interruption to service.

Detention Basin/Stormwater Infrastructure Maintenance Program—the Engineering Department has completed a full inventory of all detention/retention basins and related stormwater infrastructure in the community. He will be working with staff on the development of a long range maintenance program similar to the road improvement program.
Affordable Housing—he will continue to work with the Council, Township Attorney and staff on the settlement of the township’s Housing Element and Fair Share Plan and the other associated settlements with intervening property owners/developers in support of the plan.
Veterans Community Park—he will work with staff and the replacement contractor for the project to see through the successful completion of the park’s construction in 2020. He will work with the Council on a plan for a soft opening/ribbon cutting prior to year’s end. They plan to allow the gardeners access to the plots even though the park will still be under construction.
Replacement Field Lighting Brundage Park—he will work with the Engineering and Recreation departments to bid the field lighting project and oversee the installation of the new lighting later in the year.
EA Porter Site Remediation—the specifications for the site improvements associated with the remediation of the EA Porter remediation and needed to transition the property to Habitat for Humanity for the construction of affordable housing have been completed. He will work with the Engineering Department to complete the bid process and move the project to construction by summer 2020.

Mayor Carey asked when it is expected that the township will turn over the EA Porter site to Habitat for Humanity; the Manager replied that it will probably be the end of 2021.

Road Improvement Program—he will work with the Engineering and Public Works departments, along with the Council Infrastructure Work Group to continue to refine the program for evaluating township roads and to advance the paving recommendation for 2020. He will also work with the Engineering Department on the completion of two state aid projects in 2020—Brookside Road and Franklin Road.

Councilman Nisivoccia asked if there was any indication from the County of their projects for this year. Manage Mountain explained that the County is moving ahead on the Quaker Church Road project that was leftover from last year; it is expected to be completed in the spring. There has not been any information on further projects.

Employee Negotiations—he will continue negotiations with the Police Benevolent Association with the goal of presenting a settlement agreement for ratification by the Council later in the year.
Water & Sewer Improvements—in 2020 he anticipates the completion of the following projects:
- Meadowbrook water line replacement (paving and final phase drainage improvements)
- Farm and Arnold Road sewer improvements
- Meadowbrook Pump Station
- CCM Pump Station
- Dogwood Pump Station
Infrastructure Planning—Long Term—a contract will be awarded early in 2020 for the update of the Sewer System Master Plan. He will work with the Engineering Department and the consultant awarded the project on the successful completion of the plan. He will also work with the Land-Use Policy work group on the review of the master plan design standards.
Economic Development—he will continue to work with staff and the Economic Development Committee (EDC) on initiatives to support the township’s vibrant business community and publicize opportunities for new businesses to locate in Randolph. He will also continue property specific efforts with key property owners/developers to develop/redevelop sites that will benefit Randolph.
NJDOT/Route 10—he will work with the Council and staff on continued efforts to press the State Department of Transportation (DOT) for a plan to address the needed improvements to the Route 10 corridor intersections in the township.
Morris County Projects—he will work with Morris County to facilitate the completion of two long overdue improvements in the township—the resurfacing of the County’s section of Quaker Church Road and the replacement of the Combs Hollow bridge.
Municipal Building Improvements—several improvements to the municipal building infrastructure are in various stages of completion. In 2020 he will work closely with staff to advance these improvement projects including the replacement of the water fountain and re-landscaping in the front of the building, drainage improvements, and the replacement of the building’s air handler units. He will also move forward on the long range plan for the replacement of the municipal building phone system.
Retaining Wall Replacement—he will continue to work closely with the Council Infrastructure Work Group and staff on the replacement of deteriorating retaining walls in township rights of way. In 2020 the remaining section of wall at the intersection of Millbrook Avenue and Fords Road will be replaced and design work for the replacement of wall on Mountainside and Franklin Road will be completed.
Commuter Transportation Initiative—he will continue efforts with the Council, the non-profit organization TransOptions, staff and local residents to identify opportunities for enhancing commuter transit options for local residents who commute to New York City.
Shared Services—he will work with staff and Council representatives to continue to explore opportunities for expanded shared services.
Community Events—in 2019 he reorganized the Recreation Department staffing to provide for a full time program/events coordinator. In 2020 he will work with the Recreation Director/Assistant Director and the new coordinator to identify and implement improvements to township events for this year and beyond.
Shongum Lake Dredging Project—he will work with the Council, staff and representatives of the Shongum Lake Homeowners’ Association to facilitate the township’s support for the Association’s NJ Department of Environmental Protection loan-funded project to dredge a portion of the Shongum Lake. Actions include the completion of the agreement authorizing the co-signing of the loan document and the adoption of the special assessment ordinance to establish the mechanism for the repayment of the loan by Association members.

Regarding the Combs Hollow bridge, Councilman Loveys asked if the Manager anticipated the County reviewing the project with the Council. Manager Mountain stated that since it’s been so long, he expected that the County would have to review the project again and he will request that they do prior to the start of the process.

Regarding the telephone system, Councilman Nisivoccia asked if it was just the municipal building or if it included the other township facilities. Manager Mountain replied that the main focus will be the municipal building; the recreation office had a newer system which is a stand-alone. The consultant will be asked for input as to whether it should remain a stand-alone system or tie multiple buildings together; the Manager’s preference would be to focus on just the municipal building and if it is decided to look at another building, do it at another time.

Mayor Carey confirmed with the Manager that the lighting at Brundage Park is being replaced. She asked if she remembered correctly that there had been an issue with some residents that the girls’ fields were not lit. Other Council members and the Manager replied that the issue was with Freedom Park, not Brundage.

I. OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

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

J. COUNCIL COMMENTS

Councilwoman Potter reported that neither the Municipal Alliance Committee nor Environmental and Landmarks Committee met. However, the single-use plastics research sub-committee met on January 15th. They are on target for delivering a recommendation to the Council for one of the meetings in May or June.

Councilwoman Potter reported that the time capsule committee met several times. On December 12th they met with Russ Newman to discuss the location of the time capsule. They wanted to get his opinion of where in Veterans Park it should go; they were specifically looking to determine if there could be an above-ground location. Russ will discuss this with the contractor. The committee also met with Danielle Soldivieri, Fernbrook School’s past-Principal who discussed the Fernbrook time capsule that they had discovered.

Councilwoman Potter reported that the NJ 211 subcommittee started to create separate plans to educate employee and community end users. They will be contacting Randolph entities that would benefit from the knowledge of NJ 211 and get them signed into the database and show them how to include the NJ 211 icon on their website. Each year NJ 211 celebrates “211 Day,” February 11th, by highlighting a NJ 211 effort. This year they will be honoring Randolph, and will be providing training for the employees. The Executive Director Melissa Acree and two other employees will be in attendance. Councilwoman Veech asked if this training was solely for township employees. Councilwoman Potter replied that they were considering extending it to the school employees and will plan to extend it further in the future to religious and other organizations.

Councilman Nisivoccia attended the Library Board of Trustees meeting; there are some interesting upcoming projects. The phones went down earlier in the week; their existing vendor was very slow to respond so they found another vendor who got the phones restored. Councilman Nisivoccia had asked Manager Mountain to include the library in the new telephone project. Councilwoman Veech asked what had happened with the pavilion they were planning to build. Councilman Nisivoccia replied that there was a meeting at the end of October with Paul Ferriero; they tried scoping it down a little to make it more reasonable. He needs to follow up with Paul to see if they can get it back on track for this year.

Councilman Forstenhausler was unable to attend the Trails Committee meeting due to having four other meetings at the same time; he was in contact with the chairperson and obtained the meeting minutes. He will be able to attend the next meeting.

Councilman Forstenhausler commented that at the firehouse they have started using Google calendars. They had been giving out paper lists at the beginning of each month with scheduled drills, training, meetings, etc. and everyone would put it in their phones. Now they send out the Google calendar right to everyone’s phone and all the information is there; any changes can be made right through the Google calendar. Councilman Forstenhausler explained that if there was a way the township could do that for the Council, it would be beneficial. There was a brief discussion on the different ways the Google calendars are received.

Councilman Tkacs reported that the Planning Board had their reorganization; Art Lee will be the Chairperson and Myra Sesko will be the Vice-Chairperson.

Councilman Tkacs attended the Recreation Committee meeting; Joe Nazarro will be Chairperson and Vic Visconi will be Vice-Chairperson. They discussed the new Coach ID program; coaches will have a picture ID that they must wear while on the sidelines. The program requires that coaches have a background check and a safety class. If someone does not have a picture ID, they are no allowed on the sideline. They also discussed that all programs throughout the recreation department were up 9% last year; a good portion of that was Randolph Lake which did very well last year. Users of the lake were very pleased with the facilities.

Councilman Tkacs received a letter from the County stating that he is on the Solid Waste Advisory Committee. They have monthly meetings; he will report relevant things to the Council.

Councilman Loveys attended the Wildlife Management Advisory Committee meeting; Russ Nee will serve as Chairperson and Greg Mohr will serve as Vice-Chairperson. The deer hunt numbers to date are extremely low; there was some talk about reviewing township lands at an upcoming meeting to determine if there are any other areas that need to be addressed. The committee, through the Township Manager, plan to look into the potential for the County to open Hedden Park for the hunt. The opinion was that the deer had migrated toward Hedden Park.

Deputy Mayor Veech thanked Manager Mountain for the installation of the automated external defibrillators (AEDs). She is hoping the training for the defibrillators will include CPR training. Councilwoman Veech explained that as liaisons to committees and attending meetings in the buildings, they should let other members know where the AEDs are located.

Deputy Mayor Veech attended the Garden Committee meeting; the mandatory garden meeting and Garden Fair will be held on February 1st from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Community Center. There will be exhibitors, presentations and refreshments; it is mandatory for the registered gardeners, but all are welcome.

Deputy Mayor Veech attended the Parks Committee meeting; they also discussed the Coach ID program. Three hundred fifteen coaches went through the winter program safety classes and 150 attended Rutgers for safety classes. They also discussed the Job Fair that was held on January 4th for summer jobs; over 40 people attended. The committee discussed that the bathrooms are being unlocked at Freedom Park during the winter; there will be portable toilets installed at Brundage Park so people on the trails can use them at both parks. There are cameras in the parks that can be referred to if damage is found. There was also a discussion about the signs by the ponds for ice safety. The staff thanked the township for the tow-behind wood chipper; it’s been very beneficial to their work.

Deputy Mayor Veech noted that National Trails Day is June 6th; there is a large event being planned. A Girl Scout is working on her Gold Award and she is working with Brittany to set up events to get teenagers to come out and learn about the trails. The new trail maps will be ready in the next couple of months; they will have much more information and will be very beneficial.

Mayor Carey attended the Economic Development Committee meeting; John Ragan will be the Chairperson and Helene Elbaum will be the Vice-Chairperson.

Mayor Carey visited Sunrise senior living to present a proclamation to a woman who turned 100 years old. Mr. & Mrs. Stewart were also there and were happy to see the Mayor; she said to say hello to everyone. Mrs. Stewart said that when her daughter visits, she will have her bring her over to the municipal building.

Mayor Carey attended a Girl Scouts Gold Award ceremony at Shongum School; two young women received their Gold Award. One of the projects involved the Transition House; she worked there and developed a cook book and a project around meal preparation/cooking. When they presented her with the award, the school staff commended the township for helping them to purchase the house. After the ceremony, the organizer, Jill Ellermeyer asked the Mayor to relay the message that she was very grateful to Manager Mountain and Russ Newman for being so helpful. She explained that the Boy Scouts have home bases, but the Girl Scouts do not; she had asked for storage space and the Manager and Russ provided a small space in the Community Center.

Mayor Carey reported that she went to the Library when the Hope One vehicle was there. She was trained on the administration of Narcan. They left Narcan kits at the Library; she thought that kits might be helpful to have at the municipal building, besides in the police department. The Mayor explained that Narcan is now a nasal spray.

K. 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:

REF Community Volunteer of the Year
Discussion of Manager 2020 Compensation

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 8:10 p.m. 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

Councilman Forstenhausler made a motion to close the Executive Session at 9:15 p.m. Deputy Mayor Veech 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. ADJOURNMENT

Councilman Tkacs made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:15 p.m. Deputy Mayor Veech 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