All meeting minutes posted on the township website are unofficial minutes. Official copies of minutes may be obtained from the township clerk.
Minutes: June 25, 2020
A. OPENING OF REGULAR MEETING
1. Call to Order
A regular meeting of the Randolph Township Council was called to order at 5:00 p.m. by Mayor Carey. This meeting is held pursuant to the New Jersey Open Public Meetings Act. Adequate notice of the meeting has been provided by posting written notice of the time, date, location, and to the extent known, the agenda of the meeting in Randolph Township. This notice was posted on the bulletin board within Town Hall, it was filed with the Township Clerk, and it was provided to those persons or entities requesting notification. Notice was also provided to the Randolph Reporter and the Morris County Daily Record on November 6, 2019 by emailing them the annual resolution adopted by the Council on November 5, 2019. The annual resolution, which included this meeting date, was advertised in the Randolph Reporter, the official newspaper of the Township of Randolph on November 14, 2019, and the Daily Record on November 11, 2019.
The time change of this meeting was advertised on the Township website on May 29, 2020, emailed to Tapinto Randolph on May 29, 2020, emailed to the Randolph Reporter on May 29, 2020, and advertised in the Randolph Reporter on June 4, 2020.
2. Roll Call
PRESENT:
Councilman Forstenhausler - By Phone
Councilman Loveys
Councilman Nisivoccia - By Phone
Councilwoman Potter - By Phone
Councilman Tkacs - By Phone
Deputy Mayor Veech - By Phone
Mayor Carey
Also present: Township Manager Mountain and Attorney Ed Buzak from the Buzak Law Group by phone
3. Pledge of Allegiance
Mayor Carey led the Pledge of Allegiance.
B. OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Bonnie Rosenthal of 26 Beaver Dam Road suggested that the members of the Council and township staff at the Municipal Building turn off their devices and only utilize one device with audio to prevent echoes from being heard during the meeting. Mayor Carey informed her that they were only using one device. She added along with Township Clerk Luciani that all participants listening to the meeting should mute their devices to prevent echoes from occurring.
C. MANAGER’S REPORT
Manager Mountain reported the following:
COVID-19 Update—three new cases were confirmed today, bringing the township’s total number of cases to 303. Despite the slight spike, the number of positive cases both in the community and statewide continued to remain low over the past two weeks. As the state continues reopening efforts and relaxing gathering restrictions, the township’s health team continues to monitor case reports very closely. The team highly endorsed the quarantine requirement for travelers returning from states with high infection rates, as some evidence of cases have been linked to travel from the listed states. Overall the community continues to be in very good shape with managing case spread.
The county announced earlier this week that it will be closing the County College of Morris (CCM) testing site on Friday, June 26th. When testing began, there was a 43 percent positive rate among residents who were tested at the center. Those positive numbers have now dropped dramatically, with positive results for the past few weeks at less than 1% of those tested. The drop in positive numbers and the growing number of urgent care facilities and pharmacies across the county now offering nasal swab and saliva tests allows the current CCM site to close. The site opened on March 30th to help deal with the large number of people needed to get COVID-19 tests. While open, the CCM site provided nasal swab tests to more than 7,000 people.
Parks & Recreation Department—Randolph Park Beach was opened this week. Initial reports have shown that the system being utilized at the beach has been working effectively and patrons have been happy with the way the facility has been operating. Organized sports resumed non-contact activities as of June 22nd and will be permitted to begin competitive game activities after July 6th. The Summer Day Camp will open on July 6th. All park pavilions and restrooms have been reopened for use and the following other amenities will be reopening on July 6th: playgrounds, basketball courts, volleyball courts, and skate park. Township administrative offices continue to function fully staffed and will be initiating a “soft reopening” of the municipal building and community center on July 6th.
Executive and Administrative Orders from the Governor have allowed for the next phase of the state reopening to take place. These orders include allowances for outdoor dining, curbside retail, reopening of hair salons, barbers and nail salons, pools, an increase in the size of gatherings, and revocation of the stay at home order. Recent orders this week will permit the reopening of the following on July 2nd: indoor dining up to 25%, museums, libraries, shooting ranges and other similar indoor recreation facilities, and gym and fitness centers for individual workouts, and one-on-one training.
The Health Department received two COVID-19 support grants totaling approximately $35K. These reimbursement costs will allow the township to cover COVID-19 related expenses to date, lessening what the township would look to recover through other means.
Revenue Update—He received the second quarter tax collection report from the Township Tax Collector and was pleased to report that the township’s collection rate at the conclusion of the grace period was 95.54%. By comparison, the 2019 second quarter collection rate at the conclusion of the grace period was 93.76%. In speaking to municipal leaders from other communities, it was made known that not all municipalities had such good results, with many reporting lower collections from the prior year’s second-quarter results.
He informed the Council that it was critical to watch the trends of the third quarter. He remains hopeful that as more of the region opens up economically, the impact on collections will continue to be minimal. Through April 30th, the township’s miscellaneous revenue was down an estimated 10% from the same period last year; this revenue loss is somewhat offset by expenditures also being down due to program and activity cutbacks. Overall, budget-wise the township remains in a relatively strong position going into mid-year and there remains plenty of time to take further corrective action if necessary.
Table of Hope Event—he and Mayor Carey attended a Table of Hope event on Tuesday sponsored by the County College of Morris. The event was well supported by volunteers, as was the previous event held in May by the township, and served a good number of residents in need of food assistance. The leadership of Table of Hope expressed their interest in partnering with the township again in July for another event. They are considering a weekend date, as they feel some of their target population is returning to work will be unable to attend a weekday event. He will keep the Council updated as the event details develop.
Mayor Carey asked where the $35K grant for the Health Department was coming from. Manager Mountain replied that the $35K was a combination of a grant from the State Association of Health Officers and a smaller grant from the NJ Department of Health.
D. APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES
1. Approval of the Regular Council Meeting Minutes of March 5, 2020 and March 19, 2020
Councilman Forstenhausler made a motion to approve the regular meeting minutes from March 5, 2020 and March 19, 2020. 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
E. COMBINED ACTION RESOLUTIONS
- R-166-20 Refund Parents/Guardians Registration Fees Paid for Various Recreation Programs due to Withdrawal and Cancellation as a Result of Covid-19—Total Refunds $71,677.50
- R-167-20 Refund Registration for Child to Attend Rompers Nursery School Program due to Covid-19 to Justyna Zielinski- $400.00
- R-168-20 Release Cash Road Opening Bond Posted for the Purpose of Connecting to the Township Catch Basin at 39 Calais Road, Block 92, Lot 17.03 To Harry Tong—$500.00
- R-169-20 Authorizing the Township to Conduct Mandatory State Housing Inspections between July 1, 2020 and June 30, 2021 and to be Compensated by the State in the Amount Of $17,000.00
- R-170-20 Authorizing the Settlement of Certain Residential and Commercial Tax Appeals for 2019 and 2020 and Adjust the Assessed Value for 2021 for 6 Waterfall Drive, Block 52, Lot 2.01- Cary And Hannah Fliegler
- R-171-20 Refund Tax Sale Certificate for Block 111, Lot 23, 400 Route 10 to Sunshine State Certificates VII/Bankunited TTE—$256,619.02
- R-172-20 Refund Overpayment of 2nd Quarter 2020 Taxes for Block 142, Lot 15, 15 Mountainside Drive to Alexander and Christine Marie Jelly—$3,186.01
- R-173-20 Awarding a Contract for Electronic Municipal Tax Lien Sales to Realauction.Com, LLC for $15.00 Per Property, Not To Exceed $2,500.00
- R-174-20 Approving the Submittal of a Grant Application and to Execute a Grant Contract with the NJ DOT for the Park Avenue Paving Program Phase I Project
- R-175-20 Authorizing the Award of MCCPC Contract #50 for Fire Department Uniforms to Turn Out Uniforms
- R-176-20 Authorizing the Award of MCCPC Contract #51 for Deer Carcass Removal and Disposal to Deer Carcass Removal Service, LLC and to Space Farms, Inc.
- R-177-20 Authorizing the Award to WB Mason and Paper Mart and the Rejection of Paterson Papers for the MCCPC Contract #30 for Office Paper Supplies
- R-178-20 Authorizing the Award of MCCPC Contract #35 for Light Bulbs to Chester Lighting, Cooper Friedman Electric Supply Company, Jewel Electric Supply, Turtle & Hughes, and Warshauer Electric Supply Company
- R-179-20 Authorizing the Award to Continental Hardware, Inc., Extech Building Materials, Park Union Lumber Co. LLC, The Sherwin Williams Co. and the rejection for Categories B and C for Park Union Lumber Co. LLC and Category K from Continental Hardware for MCCPC Contract #10 for Lumber, Insulation, Hardware, Paint and Paint Supplies
Deputy Mayor Veech made a motion to approve the Combined Actions Resolutions. Councilman Nisivoccia seconded the motion, and the following roll call vote was taken:
AYES:
Councilman Forstenhausler (abstained to R-175-20)
Councilman Loveys
Councilman Nisivoccia
Councilwoman Potter
Councilman Tkacs
Deputy Mayor Veech
Mayor Carey
NAYS: None
F. ORDINANCE: SECOND READING/PUBLIC HEARING
1. Ordinance 03-20 - Re-Introduction Amending Section 15-90, Administration and Enforcement, of the Land Development Ordinance of the Township of Randolph by the Addition of Section 15-90.10, Enforcement of Affordable Housing Regulations
BE IT RESOLVED, that an Ordinance entitled “An Ordinance Amending Section 15-90, Administration and Enforcement, of the Land Development Ordinance of the Township of Randolph by the Addition of Section 15-90.10, Enforcement of Affordable Housing Regulations” be read by title on second reading and a hearing held thereon.
Manager Mountain explained that this ordinance amends affordable housing regulations and provides for more specific enforcement options for violations of the regulations.
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Seeing no one from the public, the public portion was closed.
BE IT RESOLVED, that an Ordinance entitled, “An Ordinance Amending Section 15-90, Administration and Enforcement, of the Land Development Ordinance of the Township of Randolph by the Addition of Section 15-90.10, Enforcement of Affordable Housing Regulations” be passed on final reading and that a Notice of Final Passage of said Ordinance be published in the official designated newspaper according to law.
Councilman Forstenhausler made a motion to adopt Ordinance 03-20. Councilman Loveys 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 11-20 - Authorizing the Acceptance of Certain Water and Sanitary Sewer Facilities Constructed by or on Behalf of Pulte Homes of NJ, LP and Authorizing the Acceptance of the Bill of Sale
BE IT RESOLVED, that an Ordinance entitled “An Ordinance Authorizing the Acceptance of Certain Water and Sanitary Sewer Facilities Constructed by or on Behalf of Pulte Homes of NJ, LP and Authorizing the Acceptance of the Bill of Sale” be read by title on second reading and a hearing held thereon.
Manager Mountain explained that this ordinance accepts the water and sewer facilities from Pulte Homes of NJ for the Kensington development to the township.
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Seeing no one from the public, the public portion was closed.
BE IT RESOLVED, that an Ordinance entitled, “An Ordinance Authorizing the Acceptance of Certain Water and Sanitary Sewer Facilities Constructed by or on Behalf of Pulte Homes of NJ, LP and Authorizing the Acceptance of the Bill of Sale” be passed on final reading and that a Notice of Final Passage of said Ordinance be published in the official designated newspaper according to law.
Councilman Forstenhausler made a motion to adopt Ordinance 11-20. 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
3. Ordinance 12-20 - Accepting a Sanitary Sewer Easement over Property Known as Block 101, Lot 22.01
BE IT RESOLVED, that an Ordinance entitled “An Ordinance Accepting a Sanitary Sewer Easement over Property Known as Block 101, Lot 22.01 on the Official Tax Map of the Township of Randolph” be read by title on second reading and a hearing held thereon.
Manager Mountain explained that this ordinance accepts the conveyance of the sanitary sewer easements also associated with the Pulte Homes development.
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Seeing no one from the public, the public portion was closed.
BE IT RESOLVED, that an Ordinance entitled, “An Ordinance Accepting a Sanitary Sewer Easement over Property Known as Block 101, Lot 22.01 on the Official Tax Map of the Township of Randolph” be passed on final reading and that a Notice of Final Passage of said Ordinance be published in the official designated newspaper according to law.
Councilman Forstenhausler made a motion to adopt Ordinance 12-20. Councilman Loveys 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
4. Ordinance 13-20 - Accepting a Water Utility Easement over Property Known as Block 101, Lot 22.01
BE IT RESOLVED, that an Ordinance entitled “An Ordinance Accepting a Water Utility Easement over Property Known as Block 101, Lot 22.01 on the Official Tax Map of the Township of Randolph” be read by title on second reading and a hearing held thereon.
Manager Mountain explained that this ordinance accepts a water utility easement for the Pulte Homes Kensington project.
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Seeing no one from the public, the public portion was closed.
BE IT RESOLVED, that an Ordinance entitled, “An Ordinance Accepting a Water Utility Easement over Property Known as Block 101, Lot 22.01 on the Official Tax Map of the Township of Randolph” be passed on final reading and that a Notice of Final Passage of said Ordinance be published in the official designated newspaper according to law.
Councilman Forstenhausler made a motion to adopt Ordinance 13-20. 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
5. Ordinance No. 14-20 - Appropriating $41,500 from the Water Capital Improvement Fund for 2020 Water Capital Improvements
BE IT RESOLVED, that an Ordinance entitled “An Ordinance Appropriating $41,500 from the Water Capital Improvement Fund for 2020 Water Capital Improvements” be read by title on second reading and a hearing held thereon.
Manager Mountain explained that this ordinance re-appropriates funds to support the purchase of a Valve Maintenance Trailer in addition to supporting an asset management plan that is required under the Water Quality Accountability Act.
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Seeing no one from the public, the public portion was closed.
BE IT RESOLVED, that an Ordinance entitled, “An Ordinance Appropriating $41,500 from the Water Capital Improvement Fund for 2020 Water Capital Improvements” be passed on final reading and that a Notice of Final Passage of said Ordinance be published in the official designated newspaper according to law.
Councilman Loveys asked if the Valve Maintenance Trailer replaces the one the township sold recently. Manager Mountain informed him that this trailer will perform the functions the first trailer was hoped to accomplish at half the price.
Councilman Forstenhausler made a motion to adopt Ordinance 14-20. 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
6. Ordinance 15-20 - Granting an Easement and Right of Way Agreement Over a Portion of Block 119, Lot 119 on the Official Tax Map of the Township of Randolph to Jersey Central Power & Light and Verizon of New Jersey, Inc.
BE IT RESOLVED, that an Ordinance entitled “An Ordinance Granting an Easement and Right of Way Agreement over a Portion of Block 119, Lot 119 on the Official Tax Map of the Township of Randolph to Jersey Central Power & Light and Verizon of New Jersey, Inc.” be read by title on second reading and a hearing held thereon.
Manager Mountain explained that this ordinance grants an easement and authorizes a right of way agreement for the municipal building property. It allows for the installation of the JCP&L and Verizon infrastructure required to support the communication tower and storage building behind the municipal building.
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Seeing no one from the public, the public portion was closed.
BE IT RESOLVED, that an Ordinance entitled, “An Ordinance Granting an Easement and Right of Way Agreement Over a Portion of Block 119, Lot 119 on the Official Tax Map of the Township of Randolph to Jersey Central Power & Light and Verizon of New Jersey, Inc.” be passed on final reading and that a Notice of Final Passage of said Ordinance be published in the official designated newspaper according to law.
Councilman Forstenhausler made a motion to adopt Ordinance 15-20. 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
7. Ordinance No. 16-20 - Appropriating $600,000.00 from the Housing Trust Fund for Improvements to Real Property Located at 42 Bennett Avenue (EA Porter)
BE IT RESOLVED, that an Ordinance entitled “An Ordinance Appropriating $600,000.00 from the Housing Trust Fund for Improvements to Real Property Located at 42 Bennett Avenue (EA Porter)” be read by title on second reading and a hearing held thereon.
Manager Mountain explained that this ordinance is a supplemental funding of the EA Porter Project coming from the housing trust. It is less than what is actually in the capital plan and is essentially what is available in the housing trust to support the project. The fund is outside of general taxes and funded from contributions developers make towards the housing trust.
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Seeing no one from the public, the public portion was closed.
BE IT RESOLVED, that an Ordinance entitled, “An Ordinance Appropriating $600,000.00 from the Housing Trust Fund for Improvements to Real Property Located at 42 Bennett Avenue (EA Porter)” be passed on final reading and that a Notice of Final Passage of said Ordinance be published in the official designated newspaper according to law.
Councilman Forstenhausler made a motion to adopt Ordinance 16-20. 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
8. Ordinance No. 17-20 - Re-Appropriating $60,928.11 of the Proceeds of Obligations Not Needed for Their Original Purposes in Order to Provide for Other Purposes in and by the Township of Randolph
BE IT RESOLVED, that an Ordinance entitled “An Ordinance Re-Appropriating $60,928.11 of the Proceeds of Obligations Not Needed for Their Original Purposes in Order to Provide for Other Purposes in and by the Township of Randolph” be read by title on second reading and a hearing held thereon.
Manager Mountain explained that this ordinance re-appropriates funds from prior ordinances where the funding balance was no longer needed, towards the purchase of computer equipment and the VFW septic replacement project.
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Seeing no one from the public, the public portion was closed.
BE IT RESOLVED, that an Ordinance entitled, “An Ordinance Re-Appropriating $60,928.11 of the Proceeds of Obligations Not Needed for Their Original Purposes in Order to Provide for Other Purposes in and by the Township of Randolph” be passed on final reading and that a Notice of Final Passage of said Ordinance be published in the official designated newspaper according to law.
Councilman Forstenhausler made a motion to adopt Ordinance 17-20. 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
G. OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Seeing no one from the public, the public portion was closed.
H. COUNCIL COMMENTS
Councilman Nisivoccia reported that the library resumed their curb-side pick and go services as of Monday, June 15th. In the first week, over 1,100 items were picked up by library patrons. He reported that the governor announced that libraries would be able to open to the public in early July, although they are still waiting to learn what the constraints will be.
Councilman Tkacs reported that the Planning Board did not meet since the last council meeting and that he was unable to attend the combined Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee meeting as he was attending a Steering Committee meeting. He hoped that Deputy Mayor Veech would be able to report on those meetings.
Councilwoman Potter reported that the Advisory Environmental and Landmarks Committee met on June 23rd; the committee has plans to create social media posts about recycling and single-use plastics related to COVID-19. She also mentioned that a few students have dialed into the meeting and have expressed interest in participating on the committee.
Councilwoman Potter also reported that the Municipal Alliance Committee (MAC) met on June 24th. She explained that the County extended the fiscal year by the addition of a fifth quarter, and that next year’s fiscal year will only be comprised of three quarters. Funding for MAC comes from the New Jersey Governor’s Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse and matched funding from the township. She reported that as of March 23rd the state portion of the funding was frozen and that the committee was looking into the possibility of utilizing the municipality funding to run on a minimum level. They are looking into several low-cost programs that they may be able to offer and are examining the possibility of working with a non-profit group to offer three additional low-cost programs.
Councilman Loveys reported that the Board of Health and the Wildlife Management Advisory Committee had not met since the last council meeting. He also reported that the Ordinance Work Group met with Manager Mountain to discuss the possibility of creating a new advisory committee to address various public needs.
Councilman Loveys then referred to a Tap the Talent application submitted by Anthony Moschella, and after briefly describing Mr. Moschella’s work within the community and his role as Deputy Fire Chief, made a motion to nominate him to be appointed as an alternate on the Wildlife Management Advisory Committee. 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
Councilman Forstenhausler reported that the Trails Advisory Committee met on June 17th at the pavilion in Freedom Park while practicing social distancing. He stated that the township trails were in good shape and that volunteers are working with the committee to improve and keep the trails clean.
Councilman Forstenhausler made a brief statement on behalf of the Steering Committee regarding the efforts and initiatives being taken to help unite the community in specific regard to Resolution R-149-20. In light of recent events in the community and the country, the school district, led by Superintendent Jennifer Fano, has implemented several initiatives that will be shared with the public by the Board of Education. The Steering Committee also plans to conduct community and intimate town hall meetings with the community. The township started a community outreach and communication plan which includes information from the Bias Crime Unit of the New Jersey Division of Criminal Justice. The Bias Crime Unit has created flyers in six languages; these educational flyers identify what constitutes a bias incident and the common types of bias/hate crimes, what should be reported, what should be done if you witness such an incident in progress, and what to do if you are uncomfortable reporting the information to the local police, etc. The township will post this flyer/information on all of the township communication channels.
Councilman Forstenhausler also reported that the Steering Committee contacted the Randolph Township Library Director, Lore Reinhart, and asked her team to assemble a list of reading materials to educate the community on racism, hate, and bigotry. The list will be posted on the library website and the books will be displayed prominently in the library once it is reopened.
Councilman Forstenhausler reported that the Steering Committee also contacted County College of Morris President Anthony Iacono; he is excited to collaborate with the township on ideas to move the community in a more positive direction.
Councilman Forstenhausler also reported that the committee contacted the Randolph Interfaith Council; they have held programs in Randolph in the past. They are excited to continue programs in the community; they are in the process of creating COVID-friendly programs while also creating in-person programs that can be presented when the time is safe. The Steering Committee also requested that the Ordinance Work Group consider adding specifically anti-bias concerns into the township committee that is being considered for formation based on the discussions from the May 7th council meeting. He added that the committee has also collaborated with the Morris County Human Relations Commission for their guidance related to this effort.
Deputy Mayor Veech thanked Councilman Forstenhausler, Councilman Tkacs, and Councilwoman Potter for their efforts on the Steering Committee. She informed Councilman Tkacs that she updated the council on the proceedings of the combined Parks Advisory and Recreation Advisory Committee meeting at the previous council meeting and that she could inform him of their discussions in private if needed. She reported that the Community Garden continues to be a success, with many residents working in the garden throughout the day. She briefly described some of the improvements near the garden which include the completion of paving for a pickleball area and the park development.
Mayor Carey reported that she and Manager Mountain attended the Table of Hope Event at the County College of Morris. The special guest of the event was New Jersey First Lady Tammy Murphy; also in attendance were NJ legislative officials Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill, Senator Bucco, Sheriff Gannon, and Freeholders Krickus and Shaw. The event also included the participation of many CCM students and faculty members. She was glad that the township was considering the possibility of holding another Table of Hope event in July.
Mayor Carey attended the Morris County Chamber of Commerce (MCCC) meeting. She reported that the chamber discussed and presented materials related to business recovery and loan assistance, in addition to allotting time for a Question and Answer portion with small business owners and the public. She also reported that weddings were now allowed to be held at the Municipal Building, though not inside, due to Governor Murphy’s relaxation of related restrictions.
I. 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:
Affordable Housing Update
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 5:45 p.m. 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
Deputy Mayor Veech made a motion to close the Executive Session at 7:15 p.m. Councilman Loveys 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
J. ADJOURNMENT
Councilman Loveys made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:16 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