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

Minutes: March 18, 2010

A regular meeting of the Randolph Township Council was called to order at 8:00 p.m. by Mayor Alpert. 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 7, 2009, by emailing them the annual resolution adopted by the Council on December 3, 2009. The annual resolution, which included this meeting date, was advertised in the Randolph Reporter, the official newspaper of the Township of Randolph, and in the Morris County Daily Record on December 17, 2009.

PRESENT:
Councilman Metz
Councilman Napoliello
Councilman Obremski
Councilwoman Price
Deputy Mayor Mitsch
Mayor Alpert

ABSENT: Councilman Algeier

Also Present: Township Manager John Lovell and Township Attorney Edward Buzak

Mayor Alpert led the Pledge of Allegiance.

OPEN TO PUBLIC

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

COMBINED ACTION ITEMS

Councilman Napoliello made a motion to approve the Combined Action Items. Councilman Obremski seconded the motion, and the following roll call vote was taken:

AYES:
Councilman Metz
Councilman Napoliello
Councilman Obremski
Councilwoman Price
Deputy Mayor Mitsch
Mayor Alpert

NAYS: None

ABSENT: Councilman Algeier

A. Authorizing Change Order Amount of $31,486.42 to DeMaio Electrical Company, Inc., for the Construction of a Water Booster Station Located on Overlook Avenue Bringing New Total to $380,286.42

R-111-10

WHEREAS, the Township of Randolph had entered into a contract with DeMaio Electrical Company Inc. in the amount of $348,800.00 for the construction of a water booster station located on Overlook Avenue; and

WHEREAS, a change order in the amount of $31,486.42 is necessary due to the lack of required 3-phase power to the project site; and

WHEREAS, DeMaio Electrical Company, Inc. has submitted the change order which will include the required service upgrade, phase converter, and pump redesign; and

WHEREAS, the contract amount of $348,800.00 will now include a change order in the amount of $31,486.42 for the required electrical upgrades; and

WHERAS, Clough Harbor Associates and the Engineering Department have reviewed the proposal and recommends that the Township authorize the additional work necessary to continue with the construction and complete the project.

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 Ralph Carchia, Engineering Administrator, that the Township authorize a change order request in the amount of $31,486.42 for DeMaio Electrical Company Inc., P.O. Box 5907, Hillsborough, NJ 08844.

B. Awarding a Contract for Printing Services to Various Companies

R-112-10

WHEREAS, the Township of Randolph authorizes an award for various printing services on an as-needed basis during the contract period February 1, 2010, to January 31, 2011; and

WHEREAS, the bid has been advertised and received on February 4, 2010, in accordance with the “Local Public Contracts Law” and it is determined that the following companies are the lowest responsible bidders and should be awarded as noted:

BP Services, Inc. (Elmwood Park, NJ): Items #1, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 25 and 26.

Pinnacle Graphic Communications (Morris Plains, NJ): Items #2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 4A, 4B, 5, 5A, 5B, 7, 7A, 7B, 8, 8A, 8B, 9, 9A, 9B, 10, 10A, 10B, 11 and 24.

Hawk Graphics (Mt. Freedom, NJ): Items #17 and 18.

Morris County Duplicating Corporation (Morristown, NJ): Item #16.

Graphicolor Corporation (Vineland, NJ): Items #12, 13, 14 and 15.

(Items #6, 6A and 6B to be rejected)

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Township Council, Township of Randolph, County of Morris, State of New Jersey, that a contract be awarded for each individual item in the bid as indicted herein.

C. Awarding the Contract for the Doby Road Bikeway Bridge Project

R-113-10

WHEREAS, bids were received on March 2, 2010, for the Doby Road Bikeway Bridge Project; and

WHEREAS, twenty-seven bid packets were distributed and seventeen bids were received ranging from $49,450.00 to $190,996.34; and

WHEREAS, Salmon Brothers, Netcong, New Jersey, was the lowest bidder and meets all the specifications at a total cost of $49,450.00; and

WHEREAS, funds are available for this purpose.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the Township of Randolph, County of Morris, State of New Jersey, that a contract be awarded to Salmon Brothers, Netcong, New Jersey, at a total contract price of $49,450.00.

D. Amending Professional Services Agreement with Fred Knapp, Esq., Adding $1,500.00 for a New Total of $4,000.00 for Police Arbitration

R-114-10

WHEREAS, an agreement was awarded to Fredric M. Knapp, Esq., of Knapp, Trimboli & Prusinowski, LLC, on January 14, 2010, for Labor and Negotiations Services regarding Kepler v. Township of Randolph; and

WHEREAS, the original agreement was in the amount of $2,500.00 and an additional $1,500.00 is needed; and

WHEREAS, the total of this contract with Amendment I will not exceed $4,000.00; and

WHEREAS, funds are available for this purpose.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Mayor and Council of the Township of Randolph, County of Morris, State of New Jersey, authorize the Township of Randolph to amend this contract with Fredric M. Knapp, Esq., of Knapp, Trimboli & Prusinowski, LLC, as described herein.

E. Authorizing Purchases for NJ State Contract T0106 Using Various Vendors for Police and Homeland Security Equipment—Not to Exceed $50,000.00

R-115-10

WHEREAS, the Township of Randolph utilizes New Jersey State Contract #T0106 for Police and Homeland Security Equipment and Supplies from various vendors; and

WHEREAS, these purchases are made on an as-needed basis; and

WHEREAS, these purchases will not exceed $50,000.00.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Mayor and Council of the Township of Randolph, County of Morris, State of New Jersey, authorize the Township of Randolph to purchase from New Jersey State Contract #T0106 using various vendors as needed for all departments in the Township.

F. Authorizing Purchases From MCCPC Contract #41 From Various Vendors as Needed for Communications Equipment—Not to Exceed $30,000.00

R-116-10

WHEREAS, the Township of Randolph utilizes Morris County Cooperative Pricing Council Contract #41, Purchase of Communications Equipment, from various vendors as needed for all departments in the Township; and

WHEREAS, these purchases will not exceed $30,000.00.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Mayor and Council of the Township of Randolph, County of Morris, State of New Jersey, authorize the Township of Randolph to purchase from Morris County Cooperative Pricing Council Contract #41 as needed for all departments in the Township.

G. Authorizing the Purchase of Protective Equipment for Various Departments From the MCCPC Contract #40—Not to Exceed $70,000.00

R-117-10

WHEREAS, the Township of Randolph utilizes Morris County Cooperative Pricing Council Contract #40 for Purchases of Personal Protection Equipment for Emergency Personnel; and

WHEREAS, these purchases will not exceed $70,000.00 and funds are available for this purchase.

H. Raffles

(1) Special Permit for Social Affair, A. R. Spinola PTA, April 23, 2010, 6:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., at the Nash Dance Center, 10-12 Emery Avenue, Randolph

(2) On-Premise Tricky Tray, Greek Orthodox Center of Randolph, May 21, 2010, 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., at St. Andrew Hall, 1447 Sussex Turnpike, Randolph

(3) Off-Premise 50/50, Employment Horizons, Inc., October 14, 2010, 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., at the Meadow Wood Manor, 461 Route 10 East, Randolph

2010 BUDGET DISCUSSION

Manager Lovell noted that a bond anticipation note sale was held today and the lowest bid came in from Beneficial Bank at a net interest rate of .721. The premium paid to Randolph is $24,850.00.

The Manager reported that he and Mayor Alpert received a call from Greg Mark, the President of the Board of Education. They were asked to give their opinions on one of the board’s option that would pass a $3.4 million reduction in state aid to the taxpayers. The Mayor and Manager told him that would be unacceptable to both the taxpayer and to the Council. The Manager cautioned the Council that if the voters defeat the school budget in April, it will then come before the Council. The Manager provided a quick summary of what that review process would entail.

Manager Lovell’s comments concerning the state aid and impacts to the budget included the following:

Numbers from the state were received March 18 at 5:28 p.m.
The reduction in state aid far exceeded his expectations and Randolph is now facing an overall reduction of $531,325.00
His initial draft budget called for a 2.5 cent increase and this new reduction would add another 2 cents
The Manager must consider position reductions and staff reductions
The Manager will meet with Michael Soccio and his department heads on Monday to start discussing options

The Manager suggested starting the March 25 Council Meeting at 7:00 p.m.

Manager Lovell received an email from Councilwoman Price asking for information on a variety of budget issues. His memo and answers to that email include the following:

Police Overtime—Chief Mason did an excellent job of managing police overtime in 2009. The overtime number is being held relatively stable for the 2010 budget, however circumstances beyond the chief’s control, such as a major crime or accident or workmen’s compensation issues, can drive overtime numbers up significantly.

Review of Administrative and Executive Miscellaneous Expenditures—The Manager provided a list of what was spent in 2009 and compared that to the 2010 proposed budget.

Legal Miscellaneous—This typically covers items outside of the retainer.

Nextel/Blackberry—The Manager provided a list of all the units assigned to each department and the cost for each. The biggest account is the Police Department, however the units are superior to radios and have become an effective tool in that department.

GPS tracking is being used in the Public Works fleet and has become an effective management tool in tracking where employees are and what they have been doing. The Manager would like to install these units in the police vehicles in the future.

Health Services—Mark Caputo provided a list of which services fall within health core activities. The Manager recognized that Randolph’s Health Department strives for excellence and goes beyond core requirements, unlike many other communities. Demand from residents for several services has increased, perhaps as a reflection of the struggling economy.

Water Rates—The Manager recognizes Randolph is facing some problems and will work with the Finance Director to address water rates and present them to the Council once the budget has been finalized. He hopes to continue to promote water conservation while generating revenue with the new rates.

Missing Budget Requests—The Manager believes all budget requests appear in the 2010 budget request column.

Salary Information—All employee salary information for last year and this year is shown in his memo. The exception to that are two bargaining groups, the teamsters and dispatchers, who have not settled at this time, and their salaries for 2009 only are shown.

Consultants—There is a complete break-down of all the consultants from 2009, the amount set aside for professional services agreements, the project worked on, and what was actually spent.

The Manager thanked Michael Soccio, Gail Catania, and Mark Caputo for their assistance in compiling the data for his response to Councilwoman Price’s questions.

Councilman Metz asked if the fire truck was still listed as a capital expenditure.

Manager Lovell responded that the fire truck is still listed as a proposed acquisition for 2010. However, all capital projects will be re-examined and brought before the Council.

OPEN TO PUBLIC

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

COUNCIL AND MANAGER COMMENTS

Councilwoman Price reported that the Landmarks Committee will be contacting the Manager with a request to place a proclamation designating May as Preservation Month on the May 6 agenda. The Landmarks Committee would like to recognize the Parks and Recreation Department with a preservation award for 2010 for the preservation and renovation to the Brundage Park Playhouse. The Committee would like to present a certificate of recognition to Gail Hari, the town historian and author of a book on Randolph.

Councilman Metz reported that New Jersey Transit has given a directive to a local bus company that operates ten routes in Chester, Mendham, and Randolph to eliminate seven of those routes. One route that would be eliminated is the County College of Morris route. The bus company attended a recent County Freeholder Meeting where they discussed their appeal to the state and provides their thoughts on where those cuts should be made. Councilman Metz suggested that, in his role as liaison to the Economic Development Committee, he approach the Freeholders to discuss Randolph’s concerns and ask for their support of the bus company.

Councilman Napoliello reported that the Parks Committee has issued a Mission Statement for the deer control sub-committee. The mission is to analyze issues associated with the white-tail deer population in Randolph Township and to explore means to control the deer population and limit the deer population to public and private property. This will include education, hunting, mechanical, and other environmentally safe means.

Councilman Obremski reported that, following the pedestrian fatality on Route 10, the Manager had asked the Traffic Advisory Committee to take a look at that intersection to see if there were any recommendations concerning safety. The Committee is in the process of evaluating all of the lighted intersections in town for consistency and to see if any recommendations can be made to the county and state. The Committee’s report should be ready in late spring or early summer.

Deputy Mayor Mitsch reported that she attended a luncheon with the Randolph High School hockey team at the Prudential Center honoring those teams that made it to the finals.

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 following portion of the meeting.

2. The general nature of the subject matter to be discussed is as follows:

a. Personnel

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 closed Executive Session, the Council may reconvene in public session for the purpose of taking formal action on matters discussed in closed session or on any other matter as permitted by law.

Deputy Mayor Mitsch made a motion to move into Executive Session at 8:40 p.m. Councilman Metz seconded the motion, and the following roll call vote was taken:

AYES:
Councilman Metz
Councilman Napoliello
Councilman Obremski
Councilwoman Price
Deputy Mayor Mitsch
Mayor Alpert

NAYS: None

ABSENT: Councilman Algeier

Councilman Metz made a motion to return to Open Session at 8:45 p.m. Councilwoman Price seconded the motion, and the following roll call vote was taken:

AYES:
Councilman Metz
Councilman Napoliello
Councilman Obremski
Councilwoman Price
Deputy Mayor Mitsch
Mayor Alpert

NAYS: None

ABSENT: Councilman Algeier

Manager Lovell reported that there are contamination issues at the EA Porter site. In order to apply and receive state dollars to assist in the clean-up, the area must be considered in need of redevelopment. The Council will be asked to act upon a contract to pull several buried tanks out of the ground. The Manager wants these tanks removed now because if there is contamination underneath, the money needed to clean it up can be added to the grant request.

Deputy Mayor Mitsch asked if there was any clean-up involved with the South Salem site.

Manager Lovell responded that he believes that site is pretty clean.

ADJOURNMENT

Councilwoman Price made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:55 p.m. Councilman Obremski seconded the motion, and the voice vote was unanimous.

_____________________________
Donna Marie Luciani
Township Clerk