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, 2021

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 Forstenhausler. This meeting is held pursuant to the New Jersey Open Public Meetings Act. Adequate and electronic 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, on the main entrance doors to 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 2, 2020, by emailing them the annual resolution adopted by the Council on November 12, 2020. 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, 2020. The amended annual resolution was adopted by the Council on January 21, 2021 and notice was provided by email to the Randolph Reporter, the Morris County Daily Record and TapInto Randolph on January 22, 2021. The amended annual resolution which included this meeting date was advertised in the Randolph Reporter, the official newspaper of Randolph Township and the Morris County Daily Record on January 28, 2021.

2. Roll Call

PRESENT: Councilwoman Carey - via Zoom
Councilman Loveys - via Zoom
Councilman Nisivoccia - via Zoom
Councilman Tkacs - via Zoom
Councilwoman Veech - via Zoom
Deputy Mayor Potter - via Zoom
Mayor Forstenhausler

Also present: Township Manager Mountain and Chief Financial Officer Darren Maloney Attorney Ed Buzak (Zoom) and Attorney Keli Gallo (Zoom) from the Buzak Law Group by Phone

3. Pledge of Allegiance

Mayor Forstenhausler led the Pledge of Allegiance.

B. PROCLAMATION

Mayor Forstenhausler read into the record a proclamation supporting the Udrive, Utext, Upay 2021 Distracted Driving Crackdown

Whereas, distracted driving is a serious, life-threatening practice that is preventable; and

Whereas, distracted driving can result in injuries and deaths to all road users (motorists, pedestrians and bicyclists); and

Whereas, distracted driving occurs when drivers divert their attention away from the task of driving to focus on another activity instead; and

Whereas, in 2018 alone, distracted driving-related crashes resulted in 2,841 deaths and 400,000 injuries on our nation’s roads; and

Whereas, in New Jersey distracted driving was listed as a contributing circumstance in 50-percent of all motor vehicle crashes in 2018; and

Whereas, the State of New Jersey will participate in the nationwide Distracted Driving 2021 Crackdown from April 1 - 30, 2021 in an effort to raise awareness and decrease driver distraction through a combination of enforcement and education; and

Whereas, the national slogan for the campaign is UDrive. UText. UPay; and

Whereas, a reduction in distracted driving in New Jersey will save lives on our roadways;

Now, Therefore, Be It Proclaimed that Randolph Township declares its support for the Distracted Driving 2021 Crackdown both locally and nationally from April 1 - 30, 2021 and pledges to increase awareness of the dangers of distracted driving.

C. OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Tessa Schultz of 57 South Road inquired about what was being done to recruit diverse candidates for the position of Police Chief. She also asked if a timeline would be given for when interviews would occur and when the final decision was made for the position. She asked if there were any updates with the DISC, and commented that she believed they had accomplished their fact finding as they have been in existence for 9 months; she did not understand why nothing has come from the commission or group.

Township Manager replied that the Township will be following the protocol established in our codification for the process of replacing the police chief. The requirements are that the individual must have at least two years in the Lieutenant’s position and therefore, our candidates for this position will be in-house candidates coming from our three current Lieutenants.

Mayor Forstenhausler stated that he and Deputy Mayor Potter are both on the DISC and that the Deputy Mayor planned on reporting on that subject during the Council Comments section of the meeting.

Sanjay Chaudhry of 1502 Sussex Turnpike asked how the township would be proceeding with Cannabis. Governor Murphy recently signed the bill saying that there will be a few different licenses available and was hoping to touch base with the council members in the Cannabis Workgroup to see where they were with their fact finding mission. He shared that he has a startup company and the he was seeking to open a micro facility in Randolph. He shared that it seemed that many towns were considering banning it and that if that occurred in Randolph he may need to relocate to establish a cultivation facility.

He shared that he was a Rutgers Certified Master Gardener and a member of the Speakers Bureau; he believed that there was a sustainable way to grow cannabis that would not be detrimental to the local environment. He referenced the revenue that the City of Paterson collected from their two months of cultivation; 150% more than their initial projection.

He stated that there was not much diversity in the township and that the state was looking to promote minority owned businesses in this sector. He was seeking more information from the council and explained that he could provide information as well. He stated that he was not sure if many towns were aware that even if there was a ban, the cultivation license would still be available and dispensaries and consumption lounges would still be able to get deliveries in town. He explained that it would be good if the township allowed the businesses as it would create more involvement and local jobs.

Clerk Luciani informed Mr. Chaudhry that he had one minute left to speak out of his allotted six minutes.

Mr. Chaudhry shared that there were places in the town that he believed were accessible for these types of businesses. He was proposing sustainable, zero-waste, organic growth and believed it could be a model for other cultivation in the state. He explained that there were certain aspects of the process that could be banned if the township did not want cultivation or consumption lounges and added that he would appreciate it, if he did not have to move.

Clerk Luciani informed Mr. Chaudhry that his allotted time was up.

Mayor Forstenhausler responded to Mr. Chaudhry inquiries and informed him that the Cannabis Work Group was investigating all the different licenses, and the legislations passed by Governor Murphy; the group is gathering information and his contact information has been provided to them. Mayor Forstenhausler explained that the subcommittee will be gathering more input from the community. The way the law was written, each municipality has 180 days to make a decision and a decision has not been made as investigation is ongoing. He informed Mr. Chaudhry that he will have the opportunity to speak to the subcommittee.

D. MANAGER’S REPORT

Manager Mountain reported the following:

COVID-19 Update- The number of reported COVID cases in Randolph have spiked once again in the past two weeks. Since the Council’s last regular meeting we have had 138 new cases reported, including 14 new confirmed cases today. The Township’s total number of cases is now up to 1,585. The statistics from the past two weeks illustrate the virus is still active in the community, despite the progress being made on the vaccination front. It is important that social distancing, travel and gathering restrictions continue be followed along with proper mask wearing.

COVID-19 Vaccination Rollout- As of today over 3.1 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have been administered in New Jersey and over 230,000 in Morris County. The vaccine rollout has definitely begun to pick up as the supply of vaccine has increased with Johnson and Johnson now supplementing the Pfizer and Moderna supply. Information on obtaining a vaccination can be found on the Town, County and State websites or by calling the state COVID hotline number.

We are also working with a “COVID Angels” volunteer group organized by Deputy Mayor Potter to assist seniors and educators in obtaining vaccinations.

2021 Road Evaluation Program - Road Inventory: The Infrastructure Council Work Group met to review the 2021 Road Evaluation and recommended paving program for this year. Over the course of the next week they will be finalizing the recommendation for Council and should have the recommendations on the agenda for the Council to discuss at their April 8 meeting. The Manager stated that he will be looking to introduce the ordinance for funding the road program at the April 22 Council meeting. In the period leading up to the resurfacing work that will take place in the summer, the DPW will be conducting pothole repairs, maintenance work and upgrading catch basins. The County has announced its plans for their 2021-22 paving program which includes several County roads that transverse Randolph. Their paving will include Sussex Turnpike between Dover Chester Road to Route 10; South Morris Avenue from Millbrook Avenue to Route 10; and West Hanover Avenue from Black Birch Drive to Westminster Drive.

American Rescue Plan Act of 2021- Manager Mountain stated that President Biden signed the American Rescue Plan legislative aid package on March 11. Many of the specific details on how the funds provided for under the legislation are still being determined. States and the District of Columbia will receive an equally divided share of $25.5 billion with New Jersey slated to receive $9.3 billion. Local governments will receive $130.2 billion to be divided evenly between cities and counties. Municipalities with populations under 50,000 such as Randolph will receive this aid through the State. The timing of this distribution has not been confirmed, but it is expected by July at the latest. The funding will be distributed in two tranches: 50% in the current year and 50% next year. The details on how the funds are to be utilized are still being finalized; but the general parameters state the funds may be used for:

Response to the public health emergency and associated economic impacts resulting from COVID-19.
To provide government services to the extent of the reduction in revenue due to the public health emergency.
To make investments in water, sewer or broadband infrastructure.

The package also includes numerous other areas of direct aid to individuals, businesses, tax credits and programmatic funding. There will be much more to come on this in the coming months.

E. 2021 MUNICIPAL BUDGET INTRODUCTION & CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM

1. 2021 Budget Introduction Remarks

Manager Mountain stated that he was pleased to present the 2021 Municipal Budget for introduction. He noted the preparation of this budget was like many other actions in the past year, an extraordinary challenge. The COVID-19 pandemic and its associated impacts affected nearly every part of the municipal operation during 2020, and these impacts continue into 2021. These impacts had financial repercussions which had to be accounted for in the 2021 budget.

Manager Mountain stated that Chief Financial Officer, Darren Maloney, worked diligently with the preparation of the proposed budget to account for the uncertainty caused by the pandemic, while continuing our commitment to prudent fiscal management.

In spite of the many obstacles Manager Mountain was pleased that they were still able to achieve the primary goals for this municipal budget:

Maintain current service levels
Continue efforts to invest in the community’s core facilities and infrastructure.
Maintain a stable municipal tax levy. On this last goal I am especially pleased to confirm that the 2021 budget will not require an increase in the municipal tax rate. The fifth year in a row we have been able to accomplish this achievement.

Manager Mountain stated that the he will go into more detail at the budget hearing but wanted to share the following highlights prior to the Council considering the resolution to introduce the budget:

The 2021 budget stays within the state mandated 2 percent levy cap.
The total operating budget totals $32,318,857.
The Water and Sewer budget totals $7,934,336.
The budget contains no service reductions or changes to staffing levels. Despite the impact of the pandemic, the budget does include funding for infrastructure projects such as the road resurfacing program and retaining wall replacement, as well as scheduled recreation projects and mission critical vehicle/equipment replacement. The Township is fortunate to be in the position where we can maintain support for these and other important priorities in this year’s budget given the challenges presented by COVID-19
The Township is in this position because of the conservative fiscal policies under which the Township has operated for many years, and the hard work put in by staff to keep the municipal government open through even the most difficult periods of this health crisis.
Appropriations in the 2021 budget are trending at levels at or below 2 percent of the prior year’s budget. The following are just a couple of highlights from the expense side of the budget:
- Salaries and wages are up slightly in the 2021 budget; however these increases have been managed well to ensure the overall budget remains within the 2 percent cap. 32 percent of total expenditures are attributed to salary and wages; therefore it is critical we mitigate these costs to maintain budget stability. These efforts include effective negotiation of collective bargaining contracts, and the maintenance of stable head count for full time staffing.
- Recycling will again be a cost driver in the 2021 budget. Although we are seeing some leveling off of recycling costs we have budgeted for an increase in the recycling line item to hedge against any further disposal cost spikes.
- The response to the Covid-19 pandemic will continue to generate expenses in the 2021 budget. We are anticipating reimbursement of these costs in the coming year through Federal funding; however, until such time funding is received these costs must be fronted through our local budget.
- The Liability and Group Insurance line items in this year’s budget will be going down as opposed to increasing. The Township’s participation in the Morris Municipal Employee Liability Fund (JIF) has helped maintain property/casualty insurance costs. Meanwhile, the gradual implementation of the employee health contribution program established by state legislation has helped lower the impact of health insurance costs.
- To mitigate the financial impact of Covid-19, the Township Council worked aggressively with all Township professionals to hold costs at 2020 levels. This action enabled a flat line item for all professional service costs in the 2021 budget.
- Statutory charges have increased by a little over 6 percent in the 2021 budget. This increase is being driven primarily by a state mandated 6.29% jump in the Township PFRS employer obligation and a 12.44% increase in the PERS obligation.
- The Capital Outlay budget is utilized for acquiring lower cost equipment, automobiles and smaller facility improvement projects. This budget line item, which fluctuates from year to year, is proposed to increase in 2021. The primary driver of this cost increase is automobiles. This year the Police Patrol vehicle replacement cycle returns to four vehicles after a couple of years in which fewer patrol vehicles were replaced.
- The funding for the Capital Improvement Program expenses in 2021 is proposed to decrease by 29.88%. This decrease is by design. This year the capital requests were reviewed carefully and wherever discretionary expenses could be reduced or deferred, such action was taken to help balance the budget.
The revenue side of the budget the Township is dependent on five key sources of funding (State Aid; Local Fees, Permits & Interest; Surplus; Delinquent Taxes; and property tax collection). Due to the pandemic, the Township experienced significant revenue shortfalls during the past year. While we anticipate some improvement in these areas in 2021, by law we must budget to prior year’s revenue collection levels. As a result the revenue side of the 2021 budget will look different than in recent years. Fortunately, we have enough areas within the budget as a whole to absorb these reductions in a manner that avoids a need for an increase in the tax levy.
The 2021 budget calls for an appropriation of $32,318,857. This represents a 0.74% decrease from the 2020 budget. This means there will be no increase in the municipal portion of the property tax bill for Randolph residents.
The 2021 budget contains the spending plan for the township water and sewer utility.
The Water and Sewer Utility budgets continue to be in very sound financial condition.
The Water fund continues to benefit from the rate increase approved by the Council in 2019, which stabilized the fund and ended a several year decline in revenues.
The Water fund ended 2020 with a fund balance of $678,072. The 2021 budget allocates $3,888,927 for the operation of the Randolph public water system.
The 2020 sewer budget is proposed at $4,045,409. The sewer fund maintains a healthy fund balance of a little over 10 million.

In closing, Manager Mountain again expressed his appreciation for the diligent manner in which the Council approached this year’s budget process. The budget is a better document because of their efforts. He also thanked the staff for their cooperation in the budget process and recognized CFO Darren Maloney for all his hard work in assembling this document. CFO Maloney in particular did extraordinary work, not only preparing this budget, but also managing the township’s finances through the uncertainty of the past year.

Manager Mountain stated that overall he is very pleased with the budget document that is assembled and encouraged its introduction this evening.

Councilman Loveys thanked Manager Mountain, Clerk Luciani, and the entire township staff for their response to the challenges of 2020 and the COVID-19 pandemic. He stated that they adapted to uncharted waters in creative ways to keep the municipality running without breaching the services provided by the township. He commented that the township responded in a safe and orderly way while maintaining clear communication with residents; he credited the township’s strong position at the end of 2020 to their efforts. He commended Manager Mountain and Darren Maloney for putting together a budget that addresses the short and long-term needs of the township, maintains fiscal and prudent reserve funds, and continues responsibly investing in infrastructure and capital improvement, all without increasing the municipal property tax. He stated that he fully supported the budget.

Councilwoman Carey echoed Councilman Loveys’ comments. She stated that the council had spent many hours reviewing the budget and asking questions; they have laid out, adjusted, and explained the budget. She thanked Manager Mountain and the township staff for maintaining township services without increasing the municipal tax levy for a fifth consecutive year.

Mayor Forstenhausler agreed with Councilman Loveys and Councilwoman Carey. He was happy with this budget. He stated that many hours went into the process and that he was proud to have been a part of putting together a budget that did not have a tax increase at the municipal level for a fifth consecutive year.

Manager Mountain read the 2021 Municipal Budget Resolution required for introduction into the record.

Councilman Nisivoccia made a motion to introduce the 2021 Municipal Budget and Capital Improvement Program. Councilwoman Carey seconded the motion, and the following roll call vote was taken:

AYES:
Councilwoman Carey
Councilman Loveys
Councilman Nisivoccia
Councilman Tkacs
Councilwoman Veech
Deputy Mayor Potter
Mayor Forstenhausler

NAYS: None

2. Approving the Minutes of the Budget Meetings of January 30, 2021 and February 4, 2021

Councilman Loveys made a motion to approve the minutes from the January 30, 2021 and February 4, 2021 Budget Council meeting. Councilwoman Veech seconded the motion, and the following roll call vote was taken:

AYES:
Councilwoman Carey
Councilman Loveys
Councilman Nisivoccia
Councilman Tkacs
Councilwoman Veech
Deputy Mayor Potter
Mayor Forstenhausler

NAYS: None

F. COMBINED ACTION RESOLUTIONS

Item #7, R-76-21 Authorizing Change Order #1 to the contract with Landtek Group, Inc. for the Freedom Park Baseball Field Renovation Project - Councilman Nisivoccia asked if there was a new estimate of when the drainage project at the Freedom Park Baseball Field would be completed. Manager Mountain informed him that he would get the information and circulate it to the council.

R-70-21 Refund partial registration for children to attend Summer Day Camp program as there is a difference in the discounted fee for multiple weeks to Laura Pizzano - $350.00
R-71-21 Governing body certification pursuant to P.L. 2017, C.183 of compliance with the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s “Enforcement Guidance on the Consideration of Arrest and Conviction Records in Employment Decisions Under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964”
R-72-21 Redeem and Refund Tax Sale Certificate #17-10 for Block 53, Lot 16.01 for 21 Fordyce St. to TFS Cust for FIG Cap Inv NJ13, LLC
R-73-21 Refund overpayment of 1st quarter taxes of 2021 for Block 145, Lot 56.13, 92 High St. to Shawn and Cory Beckler - $4,131.10
R-74-21 Acknowledging that taxes for Block 121, Lot 52, 1100 Sussex Tpke. owned by Aaron J. Smith have been cancelled due to 100% exemption for veteran status - $7,403.82
R-75-21 Refund the interest and penalty accrued on lien for utility charges on Block 53, Lot 16.01, 21 Fordyce St. to Erik Luthy - $430.40
R-76-21 Authorizing Change Order #1 to the contract with Landtek Group, Inc. for the Freedom Park Baseball Field Renovation Project in the amount of $10,187.50 which increases the amount of the project to $174,317.50

CERTIFICATION OF AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS
Dated: March 18, 2021

As required by N.J.S.A. 40A:4-57, N.J.A.C. 5:30-14.5, and any other applicable requirement, I, Darren Maloney, Director of Finance for the Township of Randolph, have ascertained that funds will be available in the Capital Fund, Ordinance 11-18, Freedom Park Turf Improvements, to award a change order contract to the Landtek Group, per its proposal submitted to the Township.

Darren Maloney
Chief Financial Officer
Budget Accounts: 04-215-55-994-302 (not to exceed $10,187.50)

R-77-21 Urging Governor Murphy and the NJ Legislature to revisit and revise provisions of S3454, specifically those which prevent parental notification and tie the hands of law enforcement officers relating to underage people with alcohol, marijuana, hashish or cannabis
Raffle License, Off Premise Merchandise, Greek Orthodox Church Community Center, 1447 Sussex Tpke, Randolph, September 26, 2021, at 1:00 p.m.

Councilman Tkacs made a motion to approve the Combined Actions Resolutions. Councilman Nisivoccia seconded the motion, and the following roll call vote was taken:

AYES:
Councilwoman Carey
Councilman Loveys
Councilman Nisivoccia
Councilman Tkacs
Councilwoman Veech
Deputy Mayor Potter
Mayor Forstenhausler

NAYS: None

H. ORDINANCE: INTRODUCTION

1. Ordinance No. 08-21 An Ordinance Amending Ordinance No. 04-20 to Provide and Determine the Range of Compensation for Specified Employees in the Township of Randolph

Manager Mountain stated that this ordinance is to establish the salaries for the Township employees listed in the ordinance for the year 2021.

BE IT RESOLVED, that an Ordinance entitled “An Ordinance Amending Ordinance No. 04-20 to Provide and Determine the Range of Compensation for Specified Employees in the Township of Randolph” 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 remotely on the 8th, of April, 2021, via Zoom at 5:00 p.m. at which time and place all persons interested shall be given an opportunity to be heard concerning said ordinance. Instructions on how to join the meeting will be posted on the Township website prior to the April 8, 2021, Council meeting.

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.

Councilwoman Veech made a motion to introduce the ordinance. Deputy Mayor Potter seconded the motion, and the following roll call vote was taken:

AYES:
Councilwoman Carey
Councilman Loveys
Councilman Nisivoccia
Councilman Tkacs
Councilwoman Veech
Deputy Mayor Potter
Mayor Forstenhausler

NAYS: None

2. Ordinance No. 09-21 An Ordinance Amending and Supplementing Ordinance 03-21, Provisions of Subtitle 1 of Title 39 and Amending Chapter 31, Traffic and Vehicles of the Revised Ordinances

Manager Mountain stated that the purpose of this ordinance is amend and supplement Ordinance 03-21 and Chapter 31 of Traffic and Vehicles in the Township’s revised ordinances to include enforceable regulations pertaining to the general parking, stop intersections, left turn prohibitions, reserved parking spaces, prohibition of parking zones, tow away zone and loading zones, et al., in the Wawa parking lot located at 358 Route 10 West.

BE IT RESOLVED, that an Ordinance entitled “Ordinance No. 09-21 to Amend and Supplement Ordinance No. 03-21 Provisions of Subtitle One of Title 39 with Various Traffic Regulations Applicable to the Gas Station/Convenience Store (WAWA) on Lots 2 and 5 in Block 137, 358 Route 10 West, Regulating the Use of Said Roadways, Streets, Driveways, Parking Lots by Motor Vehicles and Amending and Supplementing Article III, Section 31-52; Article IV, Division 4, Section 31-133; Article V, Section 31-205 and Article X, Section 31-323 of Chapter 31, Traffic and Vehicles, of the Revised Ordinances of the Township of Randolph, Morris County, New Jersey” be introduced, read by title by the Township Clerk and passed on first reading.

Councilman Tkacs relayed a question he received from a resident inquiring if the township was monitoring the left turn on Quaker Church Road coming out of WAWA. Manager Mountain informed the public that the turn was being monitored and that the Police Department has added enforcement in that area. He stated that WAWA, in cooperation with the town, was willing to add some additional signage and traffic markings to make the traffic restrictions more visible. He shared that WAWA has also agreed to work with the Township Fire Official to look into the curb height that establishes the turn onto Quaker Church Road.

Councilman Loveys made a made a motion to introduce the ordinance. Councilman Nisivoccia seconded the motion, and the following roll call vote was taken:

AYES:
Councilwoman Carey
Councilman Loveys
Councilman Nisivoccia
Councilman Tkacs
Councilwoman Veech
Deputy Mayor Potter
Mayor Forstenhausler

NAYS: None

I. OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Meredith Ross of 40 Misty Mountain Road wanted to formally extend her condolences and sympathies to the families that have been affected by the tragedies in Georgia. As a member of the Randolph Partnership Endeavor for All Citizens Equality (PEACE), she stated that the group stood with the Asian community. She asked if the council was aware of any anti-Asian sentiment or incidents that have occurred in Randolph and inquired if there were any plans to provide additional police surveillance around businesses that may be impacted.

Mayor Forstenhausler informed Mrs. Ross that he had not heard of any incidents of discrimination and that the council had not received any concerns or complaints from the Asian community.

Manager Mountain responded that he had not heard of any, as well; he would double check with the Police Chief to confirm. He explained that in response to local, regional, and national events or tragedies, the township tries to provide additional support if it is either requested or anticipated on the local government end at the police level. He stated that he would check with the Police Department to make sure that if anything did happen, it was being followed up on.

Mrs. Ross asked if the township could check with the schools. She shared that some people have come to her and shared the experiences of Asian students facing discriminatory comments and related experiences. She wanted to ensure that the community within the school system was being supported as well. Mayor Forstenhausler confirmed that they would do so.

Sanjay Chaudhry of 1502 Sussex Turnpike was informed that he used his allotted six minutes in the first Open to the Public Session. He stated that he wanted to speak as an Asian American living in Randolph in response to Mrs. Ross’ comments. He shared that his daughter had experienced teasing when she at Shongum Elementary School several years ago; the incident resulted in a discussion with the principal, but no consequences resulted from it. He shared that a few years ago, he found a swastika carved into a tree in his woods; he did not bring it to police attention. He stated that he has faced racism in Randolph and anything the town could do to be more accepting would be great. He thanked the council for the additional time to speak on the issue.

Mayor Forstenhausler informed Mr. Chaudhry that the DISC was working on these issues. He informed him that a survey would be coming out online for residents to express their concerns.

Mrs. Ross addressed Mr. Chaudhry’s comments and stated that it broke her heart to hear that any student was targeted or facing any derogatory or discriminatory comments based on the color of their skin, religion, gender orientation, etc. She informed him that the Randolph PEACE was there to support Randolph residents and to stand up as a community. She hoped that the group’s library donation of 270 books on diversity and inclusion would bring more understanding.

J. COUNCIL COMMENTS

Councilwoman Carey reported that she attended a Library Board of Trustees meeting on Thursday, March 11. She thanked Manager Mountain and Darren Maloney for attending the meeting via Zoom and giving a presentation on library finance.

She reported that the Cannabis Committee would be addressing the decision of whether the municipality should opt-in or out of the various cannabis licenses. She explained that there are six licenses, the last of which is a delivery license that cannot be opted out of. The municipality has 180 days to make a decision, which puts the deadline around August 20, 2021. She explained that over the next few months the committee would be gathering information about the potential impacts on residents, zoning and land use, and potential tax revenue and gathering input from the business community, residents, the Board of Health, surrounding communities, and input from state officials and administrators in other states where these licenses exist. She explained that if the municipality opted in, the licenses would be set for five years, if the municipality opted out, the township could change and opt-in at any time. She shared that the committee would be conducting several public forums and an online survey to get feedback from the public.

She concluded her report by thanking Mrs. Ross and echoed her comments regarding the attack on Asian Americans in Georgia, and unfortunately in many other parts of the country; she stated that it was sad and disturbing.

Councilwoman Veech echoed Meredith Ross and Councilwoman Carey’s comments on Asian Americans and discrimination.

She reported that she attended a Community Garden Sub Committee meeting on Tuesday, March 9, during which the subcommittee discussed the projects the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts would be doing at the Community Garden. The group also discussed plans for someone at the schools to establish seedlings that the garden program could then sell to the community gardeners and Randolph residents. She reported that the group was looking into obtaining grants from ANJEC.

She attended the Cannabis Committee meeting along with Councilwoman Carey and others. She shared that a speaker from the League of Municipalities participated in the meeting and answered many of the committee’s questions. She stated that the committee was becoming well informed due to the many educational sessions they have participated in.

She reported that she attended an Environmental Work Group meeting and concluded her report by thanking Deputy Mayor Potter for working with the Randolph Angels volunteers to organize vaccination appointments for residents in need of assistance.

Councilman Nisivoccia reported that he attended a Trails Advisory Committee meeting, during which the committee reviewed signage for Lyme disease. A subcommittee group and two local nursing students would be looking into the development and possibility of new signage. The committee also discussed plans for walking the Randolph trails to look for improvements; he shared that they are looking into a grant for trail improvements.

He also attended a Community Garden Conference, a Randolph High School Hall of Fame Selection Committee meeting, and a Liberty Tree Committee meeting. He will attend a Randolph Area Chamber of Commerce meeting in the evening.

Councilman Tkacs reported that he had attended a Planning Board meeting. During the meeting, the board gave the final approval for the La Rosa Chicken Company to be located to where the Chase Bank currently is. He reported that Center Grove Village came to the board with a plan to remove their pool, as it is aging and is sparsely used, and replace it with a clubhouse.

He attended a Parks Advisory Committee meeting during which it was reported that the Parks and DPW teams dealt with 49 inches of snow in the winter. He concluded his report by sharing that he attended Cannabis and DISC workgroup meetings; both of the groups were progressing well.

Councilman Loveys denounced any form of racism, bigotry, or discrimination that existed not only in Randolph but the country as well. He stated that it was extremely saddening to hear about what occurred in Atlanta, Georgia.

He attended a Board of Health (BOH) meeting the previous week and shared that most of the 2021 Public Health Screenings had been put on hold. The township is continuing to offer a Child Health Conference Vaccine Clinic which is scheduled for April 14, by appointment only. He reported that there was nothing definitive about the Township Health Department being in a position to offer COVID vaccines. Township Health Officer Mark Caputo provided an update on COVID-19 and reported on the daily interaction the department had with the schools. The Health Department has received a grant to aid with the hiring of a few part-time staff members who will assist with identifying vulnerable populations in Randolph, Roxbury, and Rockaway Borough all of which are areas that Randolph shares services with.

He reported that during the BOH meeting, a resident addressed the township’s current mobile food licensing policy; he wanted to inquire if changes could be made to allow for the expansion of his business. The board’s president Dr. Ronald Millman assigned board members to look into the request and report back with their findings.

He attended a Recreation Advisory Committee meeting on Thursday, March 11. Spring sport, summer camp, and clinic sign-ups appear to be at the same level as prior years. He reported the Brundage Lighting Project was delayed due to the longevity of the snow; the project is still anticipated to be completed this month. He shared that renovations to the beach concession stand were scheduled to begin in March and that the summer staff for various summer programs were in place.

Deputy Mayor Potter reported that the Environmental Master Plan Committee met and was beginning to structure and organize their environmental initiatives.

She shared that the Communications Work Group was continuing to find an easier way for residents to opt into communication channels; there is now a link on the township website that gives residents the ability to view township news, subscribe to e-alerts, view township social media accounts, and publications.

She reported that the DISC continues to meet weekly and that development on a community survey was underway with Hanover Research. The survey will reach out to a broader segment of the community. She explained that the data that would be collected from Hanover Research will be used to enrich the DISC report.

She reported that she has been working with dedicated volunteers to secure vaccination appointments for Randolph seniors. The volunteer group has opened their services to Pre-K -Grade 12 teachers and staff that live or work in Randolph; they have secured appointments for over 100 members through this effort. She explained that this was a team effort with the Township Manager, staff, Health Department, Community Services Department, and the Superintendent’s office. She commended the volunteers for their hard work, dedication, and their success in organizing over 200 vaccination appointments. Randolph seniors and Pre-K - Grade 12 teachers and staff living or working in Randolph, can enter their information into the form on the township website, or call 908-955-3996 for assistance in securing an appointment.

Mayor Forstenhausler thanked Deputy Mayor Potter and all the Randolph Angels volunteers working to secure appointments for seniors, School staff members, and people who are not as computer literate as others. Thank you for doing a great job.

He thanked Mrs. Ross for her comments regarding the extremely disturbing events that took place in Georgia. He agreed with her concerns and assured her that the DISC was doing their best to address all acts of racism and bias and was not limiting themselves to focusing on any one specific type. He stated that a survey would soon be launched to get more input from the community.

He reported that Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill reached out to him last week to explain the American Rescue Plan. He reported that she also held a conference call with most of the mayors in the 11th Congressional District to discuss the plan in more detail. It was reported to him that Randolph Township would be receiving approximately $2.5 million over the next two years to offset the negative economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Guidelines for the use of those funds will be issued shortly by the Treasury Department.

He shared that he presented a proclamation to a Sunrise Assisted Living resident to commemorate the occasion of her 103 birthday.

He also attended meetings with the Infrastructure Subcommittee and the Ordinance Work Group. The subcommittee discussed plans for road resurfacing this year. They reviewed many specific roads and planned for resurfacing, repairing, and crack sealing many of them. Their efforts over the past few years have resulted in a marked improvement in the condition of the township’s roads. He reported that the Ordinance Work Group continued its plans for a new committee to address diversity, social services, and 2-1-1.

He reported that Congresswoman Sherrill held a town hall the previous day, during which she addressed questions about the American Rescue Plan and the COVID-19 pandemic.

K. EXECUTIVE SESSION

No Executive Session was held.

L. ADJOURNMENT

Councilwoman Carey made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:12 p.m. Councilwoman Veech seconded the motion, and the following roll call vote was taken:

AYES:
Councilwoman Carey
Councilman Loveys
Councilman Nisivoccia
Councilman Tkacs
Councilwoman Veech
Deputy Mayor Potter
Mayor Forstenhausler

NAYS: None