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

Minutes: January 28, 2016

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 Hirniak. This meeting is held pursuant to the New Jersey Open Public Meetings Act. Adequate notice of the meeting has been provided by posting written notice of the time, date, location and to the extent known, the agenda of the meeting in Randolph Township. This notice was posted on the Bulletin Board within Town Hall, it was filed with the Township Clerk, and it was provided to those persons or entities requesting notification. Notice was also provided to the Randolph Reporter and the Morris County Daily Record on December 4, 2015 by e-mailing them the annual resolution adopted by the Council on December 3, 2015. The annual resolution, which included this meeting date, was advertised in the Randolph Reporter, the official newspaper of the Township of Randolph, and the Daily Record on December 10, 2015.

2. Roll Call

PRESENT:
Councilman Forstenhausler
Councilman Guadagno
Councilman Loveys
Councilman Napoliello
Deputy Mayor Carey
Mayor Hirniak

ABSENT: Councilwoman Veech

Also present: Township Manager Mountain, and Ed Buzak and Keli Gallo from the Law Office of Edward Buzak.

3. Pledge of Allegiance

Mayor Hirniak led the Pledge of Allegiance.

B. PRESENTATIONS/PROCLAMATIONS

1. Rotary Presentation—Fire Department Donation

Mayor Hirniak invited Fire Chief Steve Cohrs, Deputy Chief Anthony Moschella, and Rotary President Lee Schaffer to join him. The Mayor explained that the Randolph Fire Department is a volunteer force; a force of individuals that sacrifice their time from their personal lives to ensure the residents’ personal property and lives are safe and secure. Being a volunteer force, financial support is important to them. Mayor Hirniak stated that the Rotary Club is highly regarded amongst the township’s civic organizations; it stands for many things, including recognizing the good in the community, and promoting that good. The Mayor introduced Rotary President Schaffer.

Mr. Schaffer presented a check for $1,000 to Chief Cohrs for the Fire Department. He thanked the Fire Department for all they do.

Chief Cohrs thanked the Rotary Club for their generosity. He explained that he and Deputy Chief Moschella were thinking of using donation toward the department’s rescue equipment.

Mr. Schaffer added that the Rotary Club added a sixth scholarship this year; 5 scholarships go to the Randolph High School for college, and 1 this year is set aside for the Fire Department. A letter will be sent to the all the Captains; they can decide who they would like to nominate to participate for the scholarship. It is a $1,000 scholarship, and can be used for training or for college, etc.

C. APPOINTMENTS

1. Appointment of Chairman to the Municipal Alliance Committee

Councilman Loveys stated that pursuant to the township resolution re-establishing the MAC, the Mayor and Council must appoint a Chairperson. He reported that he attended the last MAC meeting, and that Liz Ritter has served in the position for the last several years.

Councilman Loveys made a motion to nominate Liz Ritter for the Chairperson. Councilman Napoliello seconded the motion, and the following roll call vote was taken:

AYES:
Councilman Forstenhausler
Councilman Guadagno
Councilman Loveys
Councilman Napoliello
Deputy Mayor Carey
Mayor Hirniak

ABSENT: Councilwoman Veech

NAYS: None

D. OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Judith Stewart of 114 Everdale Road stated that the township is lucky to have great volunteers. Mrs. Stewart commented on Item #4 on the Combined Action Resolutions; she commended and thanked the Public Health Nurses for going out of their way to provide her with blood pressure screenings.

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

E. MANAGER’S REPORT

The Manager reported the following:

• Weekend’s Blizzard—recognized those who contributed to the township’s outstanding response, including the Public Works Department, Parks Department, and Water and Sewer Department which were organized and diligent throughout the storm, the Police and Fire Departments & Rescue Squad who did an outstanding job addressing the emergency calls received, and OEM Coordinator Bill Wagner for his actions throughout the weekend. Bill is also continuing to monitor whether the emergency declaration will lead to any reimbursement for the township. The Manager also recognized the Randolph Diner, one of the few food establishments that remained open during the storm, for their extra efforts in supporting our snow removal crew.
• Morris County Grant to Upgrade Center Grove Road/Quaker Church Road Intersection—Morris County received a $339K federal grant to upgrade the traffic signals and reconfigure travel lanes at the Center Grove Road- Quaker Church Road intersection. The grant is the outcome of the County’s road safety audit in 2015 which this and several other township intersections were reviewed in concert with a team of Randolph officials. The project will include the installation of new traffic signals with split phasing-timed light technology to eliminate conflicting traffic movements and long lines of traffic, the reconfiguration of travel lanes on Center Grove Road to include an exclusive left turn lane for southbound and northbound traffic, as well as a shared through and right turn lane, and the installation of pedestrian countdown signals and highly visible crosswalks. The funding will finance the design for the project in 2016 and the construction of the project in 2017.
• Parks Master Plan—the steering committee met with the consultant from Brandstetter Carroll to review the draft recommendations for the ten-year plan as prepared by the consultant. The committee engaged in an excellent discussion, and the consultant was directed to work with Manager Mountain, Russ Newman, and Darren Maloney to fine tune the recommendations and develop an initial financial analysis. The committee will have one more meeting with the consultant in February and then he will finalize the draft to present to the Council and to the public for discussion. The document will then be memorialized as a final plan.

F. APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES

1. Approving Regular Meeting Minutes from 2015: November 5, November 19, and December 3

Councilman Napoliello made a motion to approve the Regular meeting minutes from November 5, 2015, November 19, 2015, and December 3, 2015. Councilman Forstenhausler seconded the motion, and the following roll call vote was taken:

AYES:
Councilman Forstenhausler
Councilman Guadagno (abstained for November 19, 2015)
Councilman Loveys
Councilman Napoliello
Deputy Mayor Carey
Mayor Hirniak

ABSENT: Councilwoman Veech

NAYS: None

G. COMBINED ACTION RESOLUTIONS

Councilman Guadagno made a motion to accept the Combined Action Resolutions. Councilman Forstenhausler seconded the motion, and the following roll call vote was taken:

AYES:
Councilman Forstenhausler
Councilman Guadagno
Councilman Loveys
Councilman Napoliello
Deputy Mayor Carey
Mayor Hirniak

ABSENT: Councilwoman Veech

NAYS: None

1. Authorizing the Extension of a Shared Services Agreement Between the Township and the County College of Morris for a One Year Period of February 1, 2016 to January 31, 2017

R-47A-16

WHEREAS, the Township of Randolph entered into a Shared Services Agreement with the County College of Morris on January 17, 2013 to provide printing services for various items needed by various Township departments from February 1, 2013 through January 31, 2014 via R-59-13; and

WHEREAS, both parties agreed to an extension from February 1, 2014 through January 31, 2015 via R-59-14 and another extension from February 1, 2015 through January 31, 2016 via R-30-15; and

WHEREAS, both parties are amenable to the extension of the agreement for an additional year; and

WHEREAS, the current agreement expires on January 31, 2016; and

WHEREAS, the funds for this project will be available in the 2016 budget.

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the Mayor and Township Council of the Township of Randolph, County of Morris, State of New Jersey, that the Shared Services Agreement with the County College of Morris be extended through January 31, 2017.

2. Authorizing Release of Cash Lawn Stabilization Bond at 7 Marjaleen Drive, Block 33, Lot 31 to Bednar Landscape Inc. Services—$1,200.00

R-48-16

WHEREAS, the Engineering Department has received a request from Bednar Landscape Inc. Srvs. for the release of a $1,200.00 cash Lawn Stabilization Bond posted for the purpose of seeding and grading for a new home addition at 7 Marjaleen Dr. Bl. 33 Lot 31, Randolph; and

WHEREAS, the Lawn stabilization Bond consisted of a $1,200.00 cash bond, which was received and deposited with the Finance Department on October 21, 2014; and

WHEREAS, the Applicant was required to post this cash bond to guarantee the seeding and grading at 7 Marjaleen Dr., Block 33 Lot 31, within the Township right-of-way; and

WHEREAS, the Engineering Department has inspected the seeding and grading work, and found it to be acceptable.

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the Township of Randolph, County of Morris, State of New Jersey that it is recommended by Raffaele Carchia, Engineering Administrator that the Cash Stabilization Bond in the amount of $1,200.00 be refunded to Bednar Landscape Inc. Srvs., P.O. Box 135, Boonton, NJ 07005.

3. Authorizing Randolph to Provide Animal Control Services to Rockaway Borough for 2016 for $11,100.00

R-49-16

WHEREAS, the Borough of Rockaway wishes to obtain Animal Control Services from the Township of Randolph.

WHEREAS, both parties agree to abide by the provisions set forth in the Services Agreement dated January 1, 2016.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Mayor and Council of the Township of Randolph do hereby approve the Contract with the Borough of Rockaway.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Mayor is hereby authorized to sign the contract.

4. Authorizing Randolph to Provide Health Services of a Professional Nature to Rockaway Borough for 2016—$297,786.00

R-50-16

WHEREAS, the Borough of Rockaway wishes to obtain Health Services of a technical and professional nature from the Township of Randolph.

WHEREAS, both parties agree to abide by the provisions set forth in the Services Agreement, dated January 1, 2016.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Mayor and Council of the Township of Randolph do hereby approve the Contract with the Borough of Rockaway.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Mayor is hereby authorized to sign the contract.

5. Authorizing Randolph Township Tonnage Grant for 2015—$26,797.42

R-51-16

WHEREAS, The Mandatory Source Separation and Recycling Act, P.L. 1987, c.102, has established a recycling fund from which tonnage grant may be made to municipalities in order to encourage local source separation and recycling programs; and

WHEREAS, It is the intent and the spirit of the Mandatory Source Separation and Recycling Act to use the tonnage grants to develop new municipal programs and to continue to expand existing programs; and

WHEREAS, The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection has promulgated recycling regulations to implement the Mandatory Source Separation and Recycling Act; and

WHEREAS, The recycling regulations impose on municipalities certain requirements as a condition for applying for tonnage grants, including but not limited to, making and keeping accurate, verifiable records, of materials collected and claimed by the municipality; and

WHEREAS, A resolution authorizing this municipality to apply for the 2015 recycling tonnage grant will memorialize the commitment of this municipality to recycling and to indicate the assent of Randolph Township Council to the efforts undertaken by the municipality and the requirements contained in the Recycling Act and recycling regulations; and

WHEREAS, Such a resolution should designate the individual authorized to ensure the application is properly completed and timely filed.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Randolph Township Council that Randolph Township hereby endorses the submission of the recycling tonnage grant application to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and designates Kathleen Heath to ensure that the application is properly filed; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the monies received from the recycling tonnage grant be deposited in a dedicated recycling trust fund to be used solely for the purposes of recycling.

6. Raffle License, Off-Premise 50/50, Gottesman RTW Academy, 146 Dover Chester Road, Randolph on June 9, 2016 at 8:00 p.m.

H. UPCOMING EVENTS

1. Highlands Council Public Outreach Sessions—February 4th at Frelinghuysen Arboretum, 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.; February 9th at Warren County Technical School, 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.; February 11th at Passaic County College, 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
2. Randolph Theater Booster Club Cabaret Night—February 5th at 6:00 p.m. at Randolph H.S.
3. Council Only—Randolph Rescue Squad Annual Installation Dinner Dance—Saturday, February 13 at 6:00 p.m.—Skylands—RSVP by 1/30/16 to .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this e-mail address)
4. Morris County League of Municipalities—State of the State—February 17th—5:15 p.m. at the Birchwood Manor
5. Morris Habitat for Humanity Hearts and Hammers Event—Saturday, February 27th from 6 p.m. - 11 p.m. at Meadow Wood Manor—$250 per person—RSVP by 2/5 at morrishabitat.org
6. Ironia Elementary School PTO—Winterfest 2016—February 6th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (snow date February 7th)
7. Whippany River Watershed meeting—February 3rd at 6:00 p.m. at the Morris County Library

I. ORDINANCES: INTRODUCTION

1. Ordinance #04-16: Towing Ordinance

Manager Mountain explained that the ordinance provides terms and conditions for a rotational list of towers for the township. There was an initial draft of this ordinance on the agenda for discussion last fall, but it was pulled due to input from the towing community on a number of items with respect to the ordinance that they wanted to have fine tuned based on their input. This ordinance incorporates their input, as well as input from the Purchasing Agent and Attorney Keli Gallo.

BE IT RESOLVED, that an Ordinance entitled “AN ORDINANCE SUPPLEMENTING AND AMENDING THE REVISED ORDINANCES OF THE TOWNSHIP OF RANDOLPH, MORRIS COUNTY, NEW JERSEY WITH THE ADDITION OF CHAPTER 48, TOWING SERVICES AND AMENDMENTS TO SECTIONS 28-86 AND 28-87” 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 11th of February, 2016 at 7 o’clock in the evening, prevailing time, at the Municipal Building in said Township, at which time and place all persons interested shall be given an opportunity to be heard concerning said ordinance.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Township Clerk be authorized and directed to advertise said Ordinance in full or by summary with the notice of introduction thereof, in the official designated newspaper according to law.

Councilman Loveys stated that he understands that it is an application process; however, he asked how the applications would be generated. Manager Mountain explained that the township will prepare the application, and it will be distributed to any interested tower within the specified radius. Notice of the application will be publicized, as well as given to the list of towers already known. Councilman Guadagno asked how many towers the Manager expects to have. The Manager replied that a minimum would be four.

Councilman Guadagno made a motion to accept the Ordinance. Deputy Mayor Carey seconded the motion, and the following roll call vote was taken:

AYES:
Councilman Forstenhausler
Councilman Guadagno
Councilman Loveys
Councilman Napoliello
Deputy Mayor Carey
Mayor Hirniak

ABSENT: Councilwoman Veech

NAYS: None

J. DISCUSSION ITEMS

1. 2016 Manager’s Goals

Manager Mountain provided his 2016 Goals to the Council in a memorandum dated January 15, 2016 (Council memo #1-2016). He highlighted the following:

• 2016 Budget—to prepare a financial plan which meets the short and long term needs of the community, minimizes tax impact, features an intelligent use of surplus funds, and maintains the township’s AAA bond rating.
• Employee Negotiations—to complete negotiations with the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) union representatives (rank and file and supervisory) on a new police contract; discussions were initiated on this agreement in the fall of 2015.
• Revaluation—Appraisal Systems, Inc. (ASI) was appointed in 2015 to perform the town-wide revaluation of property. ASI has completed inspections on approximately 20 percent of the properties in Randolph. Additional inspectors have started, and it is anticipated the inspection phase of the project will be complete by July 2016.
• Mount Freedom/Butterworth Sewer—the revised settlement agreement with the developer of the Westminster property (Brookside Road and Old Shunpike) has been finalized and the developer (Pulte Homes) will begin work in the next 4-6 weeks on the construction of the off-site sewer line. Pulte Homes is projecting the project will be complete by the end of 2016; the Manager will closely monitor the project. The Master Plan Re-examination committee is reviewing the current Mount Freedom planning and zoning; a report of recommended action steps will be completed in 2016.
• EA Porter Site Remediation—demolition of the building is set to proceed in the first quarter of 2016 while concurrently submitting the necessary permits for the remediation work to the DEP. Presuming permits are approved by June 2016, the remediation phase of the project will begin, with the goal of completing the remediation and site improvements necessary to turn the property over to Habitat for Humanity by the end of 2017.
• Economic Development—continue to work with the Economic Development Committee and the Planning/Zoning Administrator in support of several pending development/ redevelopment projects in the community, including the Grecco, Mark’s Corner, and Kmart properties. To also work closely with the owners of the plaza formerly occupied by A&P to help facilitate the recruitment of a new retail anchor.
• Parks Master Plan—work with the Parks Master Plan steering committee to complete the master planning process for the township parks.
• Cell Tower—the cell tower specifications have been redesigned per the Council discussion in late 2015, and the project will be re-bid in early 2016. To work with staff and the technical consultant to award the contract for the project, to coordinate the steps needed to facilitate the completion of lease agreements, and to initiate the construction of the tower by late 2016/early 2017.
• Facilities Master Plan—a draft of the Facilities Master Plan has been prepared and is under review by the Council Work Group on facilities. The final plan will be distributed to the Council as a sub-section of the 2016 Capital Plan.
• Morris County Projects—the Sussex Turnpike Improvement project is under construction. To continue to work with staff and the County Engineering department to manage any issues that arise as a result of the construction. The Ironia Road bridge project is planned for a 2016 replacement; to liaise with the County Engineering department on this project and to keep the Council posted as the project moves forward.
• Mac Spar Sewer Extension Project—the design and permitting for the project is complete. Discussions continue between the Engineering Department and residents regarding the project. Presuming the residents approve the project, it will be placed out to bid by late spring and completed in 2016.
• Master Plan Re-examination—to continue to move forward on the Master Plan re-examination process. The review and approval of the Master Plan Re-examination Report by the Planning Board is anticipated in mid-2016.
• Retaining Wall Improvements—the Council approved a revised approach to the wall replacement in 2015, and the first walls were successfully replaced. With the approval of capital funds in the 2016 budget, to continue to work with the Council Work Group for Retaining Walls on the next phase of this long-range project.
• VFW Improvements—a Community Development grant was awarded in 2015 for the installation of an elevator at the VFW building; the elevator will address the most significant issue, ADA accessibility. To work with the Engineering department to prepare bid specifications, and to oversee the construction of the elevator in 2016.
• Fire Training Facility—currently in discussions with the Fire Department on an agreement to allow the Department to convert the old animal shelter building into a fire training center. A draft of the agreement is expected to be ready for the Council’s review in 2016. With Council approval, the Department will move ahead with the plan during the calendar year.
• 90 Acres—it is expected that the Parks Master Plan will contain a recommendation for the development of the 90 acre park site. To work with the Council and staff to finalize a formal plan for the development of the property along with a project financing plan and schedule.
• Trails Plan—the Parks Master Plan and Master Plan Re-examination Report are expected to recommend the development of a trails plan that corresponds with a complementary circulation element of the master plan. To work with staff and volunteers on the development of these plans in 2016. To also work with the Recreation department (and potentially other public service groups in the community) to implement a trail marker system for all existing trails.
• Road Improvement Program—To work with staff and the Council Infrastructure Work Group on a plan to enhance the evaluation program for township roads. To develop a financial plan in conjunction with the 2016 budget to support increased investment in the short term toward the township road infrastructure.

Councilman Napoliello asked if there was any business interested in the former A&P property. Manager Mountain explained that the owners of the property indicated that they have been contacted by a couple of companies, but for negotiation purposes, they have not given details. Township staff have expressed that they would like to see a grocer replace the grocer; they have also told them that if they need township staff to help facilitate the agreement, they would be available. The A&P has relinquished their hold on the lease, allowing for the ownership company to have full responsibility for the maintenance and the marketing of the property.

Councilman Guadagno stated that an additional goal should be to continue with the water expansion.

K. OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Jim McConnell of 45 Carrell Road stated that he knows the intersection of Quaker Church Road and Center Grove Road is being redone. He asked if there were plans to improve the intersection of Route 10 and Center Grove Road. Manager Mountain explained that the township agrees, but it is a state intersection and the issue is that there is no funding. The state has told the township that there are plans for all of the intersections on Route 10 in Randolph; however, they cannot implement them until there is funding available. Councilman Guadagno added that he has noticed a change in the traffic pattern at Dover Chester Road and Route 10, possibly due to the new access on Route 10 to CCM.

Judith Stewart of 114 Everdale Road stated that because the Executive Session will have the Manager and Clerk evaluations, she wanted the Council to be aware of a few things. Mrs. Stewart explained that the former Manager asked Donna Luciani to become the Township Clerk, and she had to take classes to obtain the necessary training. She explained that the Clerk is a very easy person to deal with, and gave an example of a recent problem with a voting machine. Mrs. Stewart also stated that Manager Mountain is a great asset to the township.

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

L. COUNCIL COMMENTS

Councilman Napoliello stated that the section of Dover Chester Road between Calais Road and Park Avenue is in bad shape. He asked if the township could put any pressure on the County to make the necessary repairs. Manager Mountain explained that there will be additional improvements at the intersection of Sussex Turnpike and Dover Chester Road, but he can contact the County about the other section.

Councilman Loveys reported that he had attended the MAC meeting. Their quarterly report will be submitted to Darren Maloney; however, per the Resolution, the Council is also supposed to get a copy of the quarterly report. He will remind the committee of that requirement at the next meeting. There was a general review of their upcoming, planned events. They will be supplying water bottles with a sticker containing an anti-drinking message at the Cabaret at the high school. They will provide a program on March 1st for the Senior Club; Kris Wilsusen will present information on locking up prescription medications, as well as the proper disposal methods. The MAC is trying to coordinate a program by Matt Bellace at the middle school in the spring. They are also looking into hosting a “teen night,” with the possibility of having it at the YMCA.

Councilman Forstenhausler reported that he will be attending the CTBA fundraising Cabaret on Friday, February 5 along with Mayor Hirniak and Deputy Mayor Carey.

Councilman Forstenhausler also reported that he attended the Environmental Commission reorganization meeting; the Chairman is Walter Nickens and the Vice Chairman is Connie Stroh. The Highlands Master Plan public session is to be held on February 4th at the Frelinghysen Arboretum, February 9th at the Warren County Technical School, and February 11 at the Passaic County Community College. There was a discussion at the meeting about possible logging on Sparta Mountain Road. Darren Carney was questioned about the rules, regulations, or restrictions concerning logging in Morris County Parks; Darren said he would look into it.

Councilman Forstenhausler reported that he attended a meeting of the Infrastructure Subcommittee to discuss the municipal facilities master plan; they are working on a master plan to address issues up through 2021. The subcommittee will be meeting next week to tour various facilities in the township.

Councilman Guadagno again stated that he would like to get a trails commission; he felt a group of enthusiastic people should be assembled, and not necessarily under the Parks committee, but perhaps they could start it. He felt there was enough enthusiasm from people who want to get started on the trails, and there is enough land. There was a committee in the past, but it was disolved; he would like to see it reestablished.

Councilman Guadagno reported that in the Police Department in Sussex County there is a mailbox for medication disposal. He felt Randolph should have a similar collection.

Councilman Guadagno also reported that he attended the Solid Waste Advisory Commission, and he is now the Chairman.

Councilman Guadagno stated that the township website needs some updating, particularly for trash collection. He felt the collection schedule should be on the website. Councilman Guadagno also noted that the website indicates the Seniors go to Kmart, which needs to be removed/updated.

Deputy Mayor Carey stated that she agreed with the Manager regarding the snow removal efforts during the weekend blizzard; the roads were in very good shape.

Deputy Mayor Carey reported that the Library Board of Trustees is going to meet with non-users of the library on the evening of February 8th and morning of February 11th. Each of the 9 members of the Library Board of Trustees recruited one or two people to participate in the meeting, tour the library, and provide feedback.

Mayor Hirniak reported the following:

• On January 17th he presented a Proclamation to Patrick James from the township at an Eagle Scout Court of Honor at St. Matthew’s.
• On January 18th he drew the three winning raffle tickets at Battalion 5, and called the winners. He thanked Councilman Forstenhausler for his help.
• On January 19th he and Manager Mountain attended the EDC meeting. John Ragan was elected Chairman, and Brett Hackman was elected Vice Chairman. One of the goals for 2016 is to make sure the EDC is aware of any applications before the Planning Board and Zoning Board that effect the business community. Mayor Hirniak spoke to the committee about the trail marking, and invited the business community to get involved.
• On January 20th he and many of the Council members attended an event for Senator Bucco.
• On January 21st he addressed the members of the Chamber of Commerce. Also on the 21st, he, Deputy Mayor Carey, and Councilwoman Veech attended the Parks Master Plan Steering Committee. He reported that Pat, from Brandstetter Carrol presented information on the cost of each of the projects. He complimented Manager Mountain for explaining the available trust dollars, as well as how the project would be financed if they were to be supported by debt.
• He received positive feedback from residents regarding the snow removal during and after the blizzard. He concurred with the Deputy Mayor’s remarks, and asked the Manager to relay the message to the appropriate people.
• Greg Mohr reported to the Mayor that there were 91 deer taken. Mayor Hirniak asked Greg Mohr, from the Wildlife Management Committee, to explain why the numbers seemed low. Mr. Mohr reported that part of the reason was that last year the deer herd was hit hard by the bluetongue virus. Other towns have reported low numbers as well, the deer herds are not anywhere close to where they were 3-5 years ago. Despite the low numbers, Mr. Mohr feels the program is successful.

Councilman Guadagno asked for clarification as to whether the Eagle Scouts and the Girl Scout Gold Award recipients were no longer coming to Council meetings. Mayor Hirniak felt that it was up to the scout to decide if they wanted to attend a Council meeting or if they wanted the Mayor to attend their Court of Honor or awards ceremony. Councilman Guadagno disagreed, and felt the scouts should continue to come to the Council meetings to receive their recognition so the Council members could meet them. There was some discussion as to the way to recognize the individuals. It was decided that each Eagle Scout and Girl Scout Gold Award recipient would be invited to a Council meeting; however, if the individual preferred having the Mayor attend their ceremony instead, he would.

M. 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:

Tax Appeal

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 will reconvene in public session for the purpose of taking formal action.

Deputy Mayor Carey made a motion to move into Executive Session at 8:20 p.m. Councilman Forstenhausler seconded the motion, and the following roll call vote was taken:

AYES:
Councilman Forstenhausler
Councilman Guadagno
Councilman Loveys
Councilman Napoliello
Deputy Mayor Carey
Mayor Hirniak

ABSENT: Councilwoman Veech

NAYS: None

Councilman Guadagno made a motion to close the Executive Session and re-open to public at 8:25 p.m. Councilman Forstenhausler seconded the motion, and the following roll call vote was taken:

AYES:
Councilman Forstenhausler
Councilman Guadagno
Councilman Loveys
Councilman Napoliello
Deputy Mayor Carey
Mayor Hirniak

ABSENT: Councilwoman Veech

NAYS: None

N. RE-OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Mayor Hirniak stated that the Council will now consider Resolution #52-16, authorizing the settlement of certain residential and commercial tax appeals.

Councilman Forstenhausler made a motion to approve Resolution No. 52-16. Deputy Mayor Carey seconded the motion, and the following roll call vote was taken:

AYES:
Councilman Forstenhausler
Councilman Guadagno
Councilman Loveys
Councilman Napoliello
Deputy Mayor Carey
Mayor Hirniak

ABSENT: Councilwoman Veech

NAYS: None

R-52-16

Tax Appeal—Resolution Authorizing the Settlement of Certain Residential and Commercial Tax Appeals

WHEREAS, appeals of the real property tax assessments of the following properties have been filed in the Tax Court of New Jersey:

; and

WHEREAS, the property owners and the Township have agreed to a settlement for the pending appeals; and

WHEREAS, the property owners have agreed to waive pre-judgment interest due on any refunds payable as a result of the proposed settlement provided that the refund is made within sixty (60) days of the date of entry of Judgment by the Tax Court; and

WHEREAS, the settlement of this matter, as set forth herein, is in the best interest of the Township of Randolph and is recommended by the Township Tax Expert and should, therefore, be settled pursuant to the terms set forth herein.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Township Council of the Township of Randolph, in the County of Morris, State of New Jersey, as follows:

1. The settlement of the following tax appeals filed at the Tax Court of New Jersey is hereby authorized as follows:
   
   

   PROPERTY OWNER	YEAR	ORIGINAL ASSESSMENT	PROPOSED SETTLEMENT
   Madden, Constance-Kneule	2011-2012	$1,915,000	$1,615,000
   Madden, Constance-Kneule	2013-2015	$1,915,000	$1,915,000

2. Upon receipt of the Tax Court Judgment, the Township Tax Collector is hereby authorized to refund the amount due and to be paid within sixty days of the issuance of the Judgment by the Tax Court of New Jersey.
3. This resolution shall take effect immediately or as otherwise provided by law.

O. 2ND 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:

Evaluations: Manager and Township Clerk

3. As nearly as now can be ascertained, the matter or matters to be discussed at this time will be disclosed to the public at such time and under such circumstances as are prescribed by law.

4. At the conclusion of the Executive Session, the Council may reconvene in public session for the purpose of taking formal action.

Councilman Guadagno made a motion to move into the 2nd Executive Session at 8:25 p.m. Councilman Forstenhausler seconded the motion, and the following roll call vote was taken:

AYES:
Councilman Forstenhausler
Councilman Guadagno
Councilman Loveys
Councilman Napoliello
Deputy Mayor Carey
Mayor Hirniak

ABSENT: Councilwoman Veech

NAYS: None

Deputy Mayor Carey made a motion to close the 2nd Executive Session at 9:25 p.m. Councilman Loveys seconded the motion, and the following roll call vote was taken:

AYES:
Councilman Forstenhausler
Councilman Guadagno
Councilman Loveys
Councilman Napoliello
Deputy Mayor Carey
Mayor Hirniak

ABSENT: Councilwoman Veech

NAYS: None

P. ADJOURNMENT

Councilman Napoliello made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:25 p.m. Councilman Loveys seconded the motion, and the following roll call vote was taken:

AYES:
Councilman Forstenhausler
Councilman Guadagno
Councilman Loveys
Councilman Napoliello
Deputy Mayor Carey
Mayor Hirniak

ABSENT: Councilwoman Veech

NAYS: None