All meeting minutes posted on the township website are unofficial minutes. Official copies of minutes may be obtained from the township clerk.
Minutes: March 1, 2018
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 Forstenhausler. 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 17, 2017 by emailing them the annual resolution adopted by the Council on October 10, 2017. The annual resolution, which included this meeting date, was advertised in the Randolph Reporter, the official newspaper of the Township of Randolph on November 23, 2017, and in the Daily Record on November 21, 2017.
2. Roll Call
PRESENT:
Councilwoman Carey
Councilman Guadagno
Councilman Napoliello
Councilman Tkacs
Councilwoman Veech
Deputy Mayor Loveys
Mayor Forstenhausler
Also present: Township Manager Mountain, Darren Carney, and Township Attorney Edward J. Buzak
3. Pledge of Allegiance
Mayor Forstenhausler led the Pledge of Allegiance.
B. OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Seeing no one from the public, the public portion was closed.
C. MANAGER’S REPORT
Manager Mountain reported the following:
- Resurfacing of Brookside Road—the township received notice from the State DOT that it was approved for a $217,000 grant to resurface Brookside Road. There is already funding in place for a project on a section of Quaker Church Road; it will be done this year. Brookside Road project will be scheduled as part of the 2019 road program, allowing for the Kensington Square development to be completed.
- County Road Projects for 2019—Dover Chester Road, between Sussex Turnpike and the town line with Chester, and Quaker Church Road between Dover Chester Road and Reservoir Avenue. These projects could move up to the end of 2018, depending on other projects within the County. With the State aid, the township is doing the road work on Quaker Church Road, between Reservoir Avenue and Center Grove Road.
- Meeting with Morris County Economic Development Corporation—he, Darren Carney, and EDC members John Ragan and Helene Elbaum met with the Morris County EDC Executive Director, Meghan Hunscher. The purpose was to discuss strategies for the two entities to work together to promote development and redevelopment opportunities in Randolph. It was a very positive discussion, and a lot of good ideas were exchanged. One of the initiatives to be addressed first is the development of a Randolph community and market profile to promote statistical information useful to businesses looking to locate in Morris County. The Randolph EDC and the Morris County EDC will be jointly meeting with owners of several approved sites, or sites undergoing redevelopment, to connect brokers with possible tenants or ideas for potential tenants.
- Employee Wellness Program—Randolph was one of five towns in the Health Insurance Fund to participate in the initial pilot program in 2015. The program has been adopted by the HIF as an annually funded program. A number of other municipalities have since joined the program. The goal is to promote and support healthier lifestyles; it is a voluntary program. The HIF funds the majority of the program, the township contributes $250/participating employee on an annual basis. The township’s costs are offset by the dividend that was received from the fund the last several years. The program participants are required to have an annual medical physical, to honor a set of physical, nutritional, and lifestyle challenges that the employee wellness committee has developed, to attend one on-site educational seminar, to undergo an annual on-site biometric screening, and for the last several years, a cardio-thyroid screening which was provided and required by the HIF. This year the HIF will be conducting a derma-screening instead of the cardio-thyroid screening. The incentive for the employees to complete the program elements is a $500 gift card. When employees joined the program, they were also given a Fitbit. In 2015, 49 of the 122 township employees participated; in 2018, participation has increased to 69 township employees and eight municipalities. In future years, the HIF will be looking at the insurance data related to program participant doctor visits and lower health care costs.
Councilwoman Veech asked if the township was involved with the Wellness Fest on March 24 at the Randolph Middle School, and if so, to what extent the township is involved. Manager Mountain replied that the township will have five tables; however, some of the departments will be outside with vehicles. The Recreation and Health departments will have tables with information on programs; Police, Fire, and Rescue Squad will have vehicles for people to view. The township has been communicating with sponsors for ideas to promote the event.
Councilman Tkacs reported that his wife told him that outside of Shop-Rite there was a tent set up by NJ CARES asking people if they were interested in participating in a program for Narcan training. The program consisted of completing a questionnaire to determine interest, viewing a video, and taking a test at the end. His wife completed the program, and received the Narcan kit. Councilman Tkacs thought it might be something for the Wellness Fest. Manager Mountain replied that he provided the Morris County Sheriff’s contact information to those coordinating the program, but he would also provide the NJ CARES information.
Councilman Napoliello stated that the barn on Dover Chester Road, just before Sussex Turnpike is in disrepair and is an eyesore. Manager Mountain replied that he had asked the Building Department about it awhile ago, but would discuss it again.
D. COMBINED ACTION RESOLUTIONS
Item #3, Butterworth III rebid—Councilman Tkacs asked if there were any material differences between the first and second bid. Manager Mountain explained that of the original bids, the top three defaulted and the fourth was too high. This is the rebid; the project is completely contractor driven.
1. Refund Prepaid Taxes for 2018 for Block 81.06, Lot 10, 14 Castle Court to Pasquale & Concetta Dattolo—$9,837.90
R-70-18
WHEREAS, taxes for 2018 were prepaid on December 29, 2017 on block 81.06 lot 10 also known as 14 Castle Court and owned by Dattolo, Pasquale & Concetta, and;
WHEREAS, the 2018 prepaid tax payment was made as the result of IRS tax changes and currently this property has an overpayment in the amount of $9,837.90 for 2018, and;
WHEREAS, Dattolo, Pasquale & Concetta are requesting a refund in the amount of the $9,837.90 overpayment because there is a contract of sale and it is set to close on March 1, 2018, and;
WHEREAS, Local Finance Notice 2018-04 issued on January 19, 2018 recommends that municipalities refund property owners, when a request is made in writing, the overpayments where there is a contract of sale on the property,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Township Council of the Township of Randolph that this Governing Body acknowledges the refund in the amount of $9,837.90 to Dattolo, Pasquale & Concetta, 14 Castle Ct., Randolph, NJ 07869.
2. Refund Tax Sale Certificate #17-06 for Block 42, Lot 84.08, 21 Georgian Road to Jing Yang—$5,252.40
R-71-18
WHEREAS, Tax Sale Certificate #17-06 held by Jing Yang, and assessed to Pryor, James K/Jennifer A known as, Block 42, Lot 84.08 and also known as 21 Georgian Road., and;
WHEREAS, the above mentioned Tax Sale Certificate has been redeemed by BCB Community Bank, mortgage holder of said property and the redemption includes principal and interest in the amount of $2,652.40 and the return of a premium in the amount of $2,600.00.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Mayor and Council of the Township of Randolph, County of Morris, that the Treasurer be instructed to refund the total amount of $5,252.40 to Jing Yang, 628 N Butrick St., Waukegan, IL 60085 the lien holder of Tax Sale Certificate #17-06.
3. Awarding a Contract for Butterworth III/Mt. Freedom Pump Station-Rebid to CMS Construction, Inc.—$1,464,669.00
R-72-18
WHEREAS, the Township of Randolph advertised for the Butterworth III/Mt. Freedom Pump Station-REBID project in accordance with Local Public Contracts Law and received bids on February 21, 2018; and
WHEREAS, 5 bids were received; and
WHEREAS, bids were received from the following in the order listed and for the bid prices shown:
John Garcia Construction Co Inc., Clifton, NJ: $1,538,950.15;
M.S.P. Construction Corporation, Newark, NJ: $1,578,450.00;
Fred Devens Construction, Ringwood, NJ: $1,498,550.00;
Sanitary Const Co, Fairfield, NJ: $1,688,105.00;
CMS Construction Inc., Plainfield, NJ: $1,464,669.00; and
WHEREAS, the Engineer, the Engineering Administrator/W&S and the Purchasing Agent recommend the award of the contract to CMS Construction Inc. as the lowest responsive, responsible bidder; and
WHEREAS, the Township of Randolph desires to award a contract for the Butterworth III/Mt. Freedom Pump Station-REBID to CMS Construction Inc. of Plainfield, NJ in the amount of $1,464,669.00; and
WHEREAS, the Finance Officer has certified to the availability of funds for this project from 08-215-55-915-302 ($853,014) and 08-215-55-912-300 ($646,986).
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the Township Council, Township of Randolph, County of Morris, State of New Jersey, that a contract be awarded to CMS Construction Inc. of Plainfield, NJ for the Butterworth III/Mt. Freedom Pump Station-REBID project for the price of $1,464,669.00 per their bid proposal.
CERTIFICATION OF AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS
Dated: March 1, 2018
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 Sewer Capital Fund, Ordinance #23-15 and 17-17, to award a contract to CMS Construction for the Butterworth lll—Mount Freedom Pump Station project, per its response to a bid solicitation by the township.
Darren Maloney
Chief Financial Officer
Budget Accounts: 08-215-55-915-302 (not to exceed $846,958.12)
08-215-55-912-300 (not to exceed $617,710.88)
4. Authorizing Change Order #4 (1) for an Increase of $1,600.48 to the Original Contract Awarded to Spartan Motors in the Amount of $495,331.93 for the New Fire Service Apparatus (Spartan Metro Star 1500 GPM Pumper)—New Total $496,932.41
R-73-18
WHEREAS, on March 2, 2017 via R 74-17, the Township Council awarded a contract to Spartan Motors USA, Inc. for the purchase of a Metro Star 1500 GPM pumper through the H-GAC National Cooperative for the price of $478,460 plus $1,976 for a Performance Bond for a contract award total of $480,436; and
WHEREAS, on September 28, 2017 via R 234-17, the Township Council authorized 3 change orders to Spartan Motors USA, Inc. for various changes in the amount of $14,895.93 increasing the total contract award amount from $480,436 to $495,331.93; and
WHEREAS, after the final on-site visit to Spartan’s Sioux Falls, SD location by the Fire Department Committee for a post-construction meeting it’s been determined that additional changes to the fire truck are required; and
WHEREAS, the changes are referenced on the attached documents; and
WHEREAS, Change Order #4 (1) is for an increase of $1,600.48
WHEREAS, these changes have been reviewed by the Fire Chief, the Past Fire Chief, the Township Manager and the Purchasing Agent; and
WHEREAS, these changes have been reviewed by a representative of the H-GAC who confirmed that the pricing is in compliance with the H-GAC contract; and
WHEREAS, the Finance Officer has certified to the availability of funds for these changes in 04-215-55-974-303.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the Township Council, Township of Randolph, County of Morris, State of New Jersey that Change Order #4 (1) is approved and authorized, for a total net increase of $1,600.48, increasing the total contract award amount from $495,331.93 to $496,932.41.
CERTIFICATION OF AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS
Dated: March 1, 2018
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 General Capital Fund, Ordinance #12-16, to award a change order contract to Spartan Motors USA, per its proposal submitted to the township.
Darren Maloney
Chief Financial Officer
Budget Accounts: 04-215-55-974-303 (not to exceed $1,600.48)
5. Authorizing Contracts with Certain Approved State Contract Vendors for Contracting Units Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:11-11(5)
R-74-18
WHEREAS, the Township of Randolph pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:11-12a and N.J.A.C. 5:34-7.29(c), may, by resolution and without advertising for bids, purchase any goods or services under the State of New Jersey Cooperative Purchasing Program for any State contracts entered into on behalf of the State by the Division of Purchase and Property in the Department of the Treasury; and
WHEREAS, the Township of Randolph has the need on a timely basis to purchase goods and services utilizing State contracts; and
WHEREAS, the Township of Randolph anticipates entering into contracts in excess of $17,500 with the attached Referenced State Contract Vendors through this resolution and properly executed purchase orders/contracts, which shall be subject to all the conditions applicable to the current State contracts.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Township of Randolph authorizes the Purchasing Agent to purchase certain goods and services from those approved New Jersey State Contract Vendors on the attached list, pursuant to all conditions of the individual State contracts; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the governing body of the Township of Randolph pursuant to N.J.A.C. 5:30-5.5(b) regarding the certification of available funds, shall either certify the full maximum amount against the budget at the time the contract is awarded, or no contract amount shall be chargeable or certified until such time as the goods or services are ordered or otherwise called for prior to placing the order, and a certification of availability of funds is made by the Chief Financial Officer via an authorized Purchase Order; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the duration of the contracts between the Township of Randolph and the Referenced State Contract Vendors shall be until December 31, 2018 or upon expiration of the vendor’s contract whichever is first.
6. Authorizing Contracts under the Somerset County Cooperative Pricing Council (SOCCP) Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:11-11(5)
R-75-18
WHEREAS, the Township of Randolph pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:11-11(5) and N.J.A.C. 5:34-7.1 et seq. may, by resolution and without advertising for bids, purchase any goods or services under a Cooperative Pricing System of which the Township is a member; and
WHEREAS, the Township of Randolph has the need on a timely basis to purchase goods and services utilizing the SOCCP of which it is a member; and
WHEREAS, the Township of Randolph anticipates entering into contracts in excess of $17,500 with the attached Referenced Contract Vendors through this resolution and properly executed purchase orders/contracts as needed, which shall be subject to all the conditions applicable to the current co-op contracts.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Township of Randolph authorizes the Purchasing Agent to purchase certain goods and services from those SOCCP Contract Vendors on the attached list, pursuant to all conditions of the individual co-op contracts; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the governing body of the Township of Randolph pursuant to N.J.A.C. 5:30-5.5(b) regarding the certification of available funds, shall either certify the full maximum amount against the budget at the time the contract is awarded, or no contract amount shall be chargeable or certified until such time as the goods or services are ordered or otherwise called for prior to placing the order, and a certification of availability of funds is made by the Chief Financial Officer via an authorized Purchase Order; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the duration of the contracts between the Township of Randolph and the referenced SOCCP Contract Vendors shall be until December 31, 2018 or upon expiration of the vendor’s contract whichever is first.
7. Authorizing Contracts under the Morris County Cooperative Pricing Council Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:11-11(5)
R-76-18
WHEREAS, the Township of Randolph pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:11-11(5) and N.J.A.C. 5:34-7.1 et seq. may, by resolution and without advertising for bids, purchase any goods or services under a Cooperative Pricing System of which the Township is a member; and
WHEREAS, the Township of Randolph has the need on a timely basis to purchase goods and services utilizing the MCCPC of which it is a member; and
WHEREAS, the Township of Randolph anticipates entering into contracts in excess of $17,500 with the attached Referenced Contract Vendors through this resolution and properly executed purchase orders/contracts as needed, which shall be subject to all the conditions applicable to the current co-op contracts.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Township of Randolph authorizes the Purchasing Agent to purchase certain goods and services from those MCCPC Contract Vendors on the attached list, pursuant to all conditions of the individual co-op contracts; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the governing body of the Township of Randolph pursuant to N.J.A.C. 5:30-5.5(b) regarding the certification of available funds, shall either certify the full maximum amount against the budget at the time the contract is awarded, or no contract amount shall be chargeable or certified until such time as the goods or services are ordered or otherwise called for prior to placing the order, and a certification of availability of funds is made by the Chief Financial Officer via an authorized Purchase Order; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the duration of the contracts between the Township of Randolph and the referenced MCCPC Contract Vendors shall be until December 31, 2018 or upon expiration of the vendor’s contract whichever is first.
8. Authorizing Contracts under the Educational Services Commission of NJ Cooperative Pricing System (ESCNJ) Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:11-11(5)
R-77-18
WHEREAS, the Township of Randolph pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:11-11(5) and N.J.A.C. 5:34-7.1 et seq. may, by resolution and without advertising for bids, purchase any goods or services under a Cooperative Pricing System of which the Township is a member; and
WHEREAS, the Township of Randolph has the need on a timely basis to purchase goods and services utilizing the ESCNJ of which it is a member; and
WHEREAS, the Township of Randolph anticipates entering into contracts in excess of $17,500 with the attached Referenced Contract Vendors through this resolution and properly executed purchase orders/contracts as needed, which shall be subject to all the conditions applicable to the current co-op contracts.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Township of Randolph authorizes the Purchasing Agent to purchase certain goods and services from those ESCNJ Contract Vendors on the attached list, pursuant to all conditions of the individual co-op contracts; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the governing body of the Township of Randolph pursuant to N.J.A.C. 5:30-5.5(b) regarding the certification of available funds, shall either certify the full maximum amount against the budget at the time the contract is awarded, or no contract amount shall be chargeable or certified until such time as the goods or services are ordered or otherwise called for prior to placing the order, and a certification of availability of funds is made by the Chief Financial Officer via an authorized Purchase Order; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the duration of the contracts between the Township of Randolph and the referenced ESCNJ Contract Vendors shall be until December 31, 2018 or upon expiration of the vendor’s contract whichever is first.
9. Rejecting All Bids for Supplying Plumbing and Waterworks Specialties Project
R-78-18
WHEREAS, the Township of Randolph advertised for the Supplying Plumbing & Waterworks Specialties project in accordance with Local Public Contracts Law and received bids on February 16, 2018; and
WHEREAS, 3 bids were received; and
WHEREAS, bids were received from the following in the order listed:
Core and Main LP F/K/A HD Supply Waterworks Ltd, Edison, NJ;
Kennedy Culvert & Supply, Totowa, NJ;
Raritan Group, Inc., Edison, NJ;
WHEREAS, Core and Main LP F/K/A HD Supply Waterworks Ltd did not provide an appropriate Statement of Ownership Disclosure which is a non-curable, non-waivable, fatal defect therefore their bid must be rejected; and
WHEREAS, Kennedy Culvert & Supply, Inc. indicated there was no addendum issued when there was, which is a non-curable, non-waivable, fatal defect therefore their bid must be rejected; and
WHEREAS, Raritan Group, Inc. indicated there was no addendum issued when there was, which is a non-curable, non-waivable, fatal defect therefore their bid must be rejected.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the Township Council, Township of Randolph, County of Morris, State of New Jersey, that all bids received for the Supplying Plumbing & Waterworks Specialties project are hereby rejected for the reasons stated above.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a rebid shall be issued for this project.
10. Release of Police Detail Escrow to MCSSADA—$478.50
R-79-18
WHEREAS, the Finance Department received escrow funds for Police Detail.
WHEREAS, the Detail work has been completed.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the Township of Randolph, Morris County, New Jersey that it is recommended by the Finance Department that the escrow funds for the following amounts be refunded:
MCSSADA $478.50
11. Release of Police Detail Escrow to Penta Communications—$522.00
R-80-18
WHEREAS, the Finance Department received escrow funds for Police Detail.
WHEREAS, the Detail work has been completed.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the Township of Randolph, Morris County, New Jersey that it is recommended by the Finance Department that the escrow funds for the following amounts be refunded:
Penta Communications $522.00
12. Raffle License, Tricky Tray, Somerset Hills Learning Institute, on April 15 at the Freedom Fields Farms, 95 Calais Rd, Randolph from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.. Rain date is April 22.
13. Raffle License, On-Premise 50/50, PTO Fernbrook Elementary School, on March 26 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Randolph High School, 511 Millbrook Ave, Randolph
14. Raffle License, Tricky Tray, PTO Fernbrook Elementary School, on March 26 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Randolph High School, 511 Millbrook Ave, Randolph
15. Raffle License, On-Premise Merchandise, Randolph High School Choir and Theater Booster Association, on April 21 from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at the Randolph High School, 511 Millbrook Ave, Randolph
Councilman Guadagno made a motion to approve the Combined Action Resolutions. Councilwoman Veech seconded the motion, and the following roll call vote was taken:
AYES:
Councilwoman Carey
Councilman Guadagno
Councilman Napoliello
Councilman Tkacs
Councilwoman Veech
Deputy Mayor Loveys
Mayor Forstenhausler
NAYS: None
E. UPCOMING EVENTS
- Council Only—Morris County Freeholders Budget Subcommittee meeting for mayors and elected officials on Thursday, March 8th, Monday, March 12th, and Tuesday, March 13th from 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at the MC Public Safety Training Academy, 500 West Hanover Ave., Morristown—RSVP 973-285-6010
- Morris County St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Morristown, on Saturday, March 10th at 12:00 p.m.
- Library Event—Johnny Woods and the Lonesome Pinetops Band, Sunday, March 11th at 2:00 p.m.; registration required—973-895-3556
- Randolph Area Chamber of Commerce Monthly Networking Luncheon on Thursday, March 15th at LaStrada Restaurant from 11:45 a.m. - 1:15 p.m.
- March 24th—Wellness Day at Randolph Middle School, from 12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. (added)
F. ORDINANCES: SECOND READING/PUBLIC HEARING
1. Ordinance #04-18: Authorizing the Execution of a Deed of Restriction over Block 49, Lots 2 & 3 on the Official Tax Map of Randolph in Connection with the State House Commission Approval of the Township of Mendham’s Diversion Application
BE IT RESOLVED, that an Ordinance entitled “AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF A DEED OF RESTRICTION OVER BLOCK 49, LOTS 2 & 3 ON THE OFFICIAL TAX MAP OF THE TOWNSHIP OF RANDOLPH IN CONNECTION WITH THE STATE HOUSE COMMISSION APPROVAL OF THE TOWNSHIP OF MENDHAM’S DIVERSION APPLICATION (NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION SHC-FILE #1419002)” be read by title on second reading and a hearing held thereon.
Manager Mountain explained that this ordinance authorizes the execution of the deed restriction on the property formerly known as 90 Acres; the property is associated with the diversion that Randolph and Mendham participated in associated with the land in which the animal shelter is now located.
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Judith Stewart of 114 Everdale Road noted that at the end of the Statement of Purpose of Ordinance, it is written “between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.” She asked if that meant every day, or only when the building would normally be open. Manager Mountain explained that it is just standard language, and it is during business days.
Seeing no one further from the public, the public portion was closed.
BE IT RESOLVED, that an Ordinance entitled, “AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF A DEED OF RESTRICTION OVER BLOCK 49, LOTS 2 & 3 ON THE OFFICIAL TAX MAP OF THE TOWNSHIP OF RANDOLPH IN CONNECTION WITH THE STATE HOUSE COMMISSION APPROVAL OF THE TOWNSHIP OF MENDHAM’S DIVERSION APPLICATION (NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION SHC-FILE #1419002)” 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 Napoliello made a motion to adopt the ordinance. Councilman Guadagno seconded the motion, and the following roll call vote was taken:
AYES:
Councilwoman Carey
Councilman Guadagno
Councilman Napoliello
Councilman Tkacs
Councilwoman Veech
Deputy Mayor Loveys
Mayor Forstenhausler
NAYS: None
G. DISCUSSION ITEMS
1. Review of 2017-2018 Board of Adjustment Annual Report—Darren Carney
Manager Mountain explained that each year the Board of Adjustment is required to provide a report to the Council and Manager. Since there were a number of recommendations this year, he asked Darren Carney to provide clarity and allow questions from the Council.
Darren Carney reviewed the information contained in his February 22, 2018 memo to Manager Mountain. The information was related to the communication towers/antennas, LED gas station price signage, institutional uses-houses of worship, and self storage facilities.
The Board of Adjustment recommended that the township ordinances related to the regulation of commercial communication towers/antennas be reviewed due to recent changes to the federal laws and FCC regulations. The ordinances related to tower maintenance should also be reviewed due to tower owners being lax in their required reporting. Councilwoman Veech asked if there was any penalty to those who don’t submit the annual reports. Darren replied that, in theory, it falls under the property maintenance code, so violations could be issued. Councilwoman Veech asked why that is not done. Darren explained that the process within the departments in Randolph is complicated; he suggested that the internal process be reviewed as well as the aforementioned ordinances. There was some discussion on the property maintenance code related to tower maintenance, the reports needing to be filed annually, and the internal system of receiving reports and enforcing the ordinances. Manager Mountain felt that the ordinances would only require Darren Carney to work with Attorney Buzak to draft updated ordinances.
The Board of Adjustment recommended the Council consider amending the ordinance to permit LED gas station price signage in conjunction with regulations for illumination, brightness, and message duration. Mayor Forstenhausler asked if this could also be addressed by Darren Carney and Attorney Buzak. Darren explained that the Board of Adjustment is currently only focusing on the LED signage at gas stations, specifically the price signage.
The Board of Adjustment’s issues related to houses of worship include accessory uses and the calculation of required off-street parking. Darren explained that off-street parking is calculated by the number of seats; however, the parking cannot be determined if there are applications where there is no fixed seating. The board also recommended reviewing the ordinances related to customary accessory use specific to houses of worship since some uses are related to schools or other programs. They suggested standardizing the interpretation of a normal accessory use. Councilwoman Veech asked if they have studied other town’s ordinances, and determined wording for the ordinance. Darren replied that this one is more complicated, but the parking calculation could probably be based upon the fire code for non-fixed seating. As far as reviewing accessory uses, the board felt that maybe Bob Michaels could review it and determine what other towns use as standards to be sure that nothing is missed.
The Board of Adjustment recommended that the Council review if self storage facilities would be appropriate in any zone district since the current ordinance provides no guidance to the board when hearing a variance application. Councilwoman Veech asked if this was noted anywhere in the master plan; Darren replied that it was never discussed. Manager Mountain suggested that this be brought to the master plan committee.
Councilwoman Veech asked if Darren could provide information on the variances that were submitted in 2017, but not approved. Darren explained that the last variance application that was denied was a few years ago. They approved all applications in 2017.
H. OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Judith Stewart of 114 Everdale Road commented that she has never pre-registered for a library concert. She was going to bring this up with the Library Director to clarify if the stated registration means pre-registration.
Seeing no one further from the public, the public portion was closed.
I. COUNCIL COMMENTS
Councilman Guadagno attended the Trails Committee meeting; they are building the subcommittees such as budgeting, trail management, and sign locations. The group is very enthusiastic.
Councilwoman Veech distributed the handouts from the Community Garden meeting; there were approximately 35 people at the meeting. She and Russ Newman provided an overview of the development of the park, as well as the community garden. Paul O’Malley spoke about the benefits of the garden, the vision, and the next steps; there will be 84 full-plots, or 168 half-plots. The handouts also included a design showing the placement of the garden within the park, and a copy of the gardener participation agreement draft. She explained that the draft will be reviewed in April, when a subcommittee that was formed at the February meeting will meet. The meeting was very successful, with much enthusiasm.
Deputy Mayor Loveys concurred with Councilwoman Veech that the Community Garden meeting was very good.
Deputy Mayor Loveys reported that he attended the school safety meeting update at Randolph High School; approximately 200 people attended. There were presentations by the principals of the schools in the district. Head of Security, Harry Ruiz, also presented. High school principal, Debbie Iosso, provided an overview of the district’s safety, as well as the high school. They provided information on the steps taken over the last couple of years, and those that are currently being done. The relationship between the school administration and the Randolph Police Department was discussed. The majority of the meeting was used for residents’ questions and answers. He felt the meeting was very positive, and he believed they will have more meetings in the future.
Mayor Forstenhausler reported the following:
- He, Deputy Mayor Loveys, and other Council members attended the League of Municipalities meeting on February 21st; it was very well attended.
- He and Manager Mountain met with the CEO of St. Clare’s Hospital to discuss possible collaborations.
- He, Manager Mountain, Deputy Mayor Loveys, and Police Chief Stokoe met with the school Superintendent and members from the Board of Education. They discussed the 2018 road program and how it might impact bussing, as well as security issues.
- He hosted a Cub Scout group at the municipal building to explain how municipal government works.
- He reported that Fire Fighter, Steve Fox, from Fire Company 2 passed away earlier in the day after an illness.
Councilwoman Carey added that the Boy Scouts of America will be holding The Good Scout Awards Dinner on April 11 at The Grove at the Randolph Diner. They are honoring Randolph residents, Mayor Forstenhausler, Dr. Anthony Fusco, Tammy McConnell and Cindy Novak from Resurrection Parish, Jack Sassaman, Bobbie Spiropoulos, and Gene Stracco.
J. 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:
2018 Cissy Laureys Volunteer Award Nominations
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.
Councilwoman Veech made a motion to move into Executive Session at 7:50 p.m. Councilman Guadagno seconded the motion, and the following roll call vote was taken:
AYES:
Councilwoman Carey
Councilman Guadagno
Councilman Napoliello
Councilman Tkacs
Councilwoman Veech
Deputy Mayor Loveys
Mayor Forstenhausler
NAYS: None
Councilwoman Veech made a motion to close the Executive Session at 8:55 p.m. Councilman Napoliello seconded the motion, and the following roll call vote was taken:
AYES:
Councilwoman Carey
Councilman Guadagno
Councilman Napoliello
Councilman Tkacs
Councilwoman Veech
Deputy Mayor Loveys
Mayor Forstenhausler
NAYS: None
K. ADJOURNMENT
Councilwoman Veech made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:55 p.m. Councilman Napoliello seconded the motion, and the following roll call vote was taken:
AYES:
Councilwoman Carey
Councilman Guadagno
Councilman Napoliello
Councilman Tkacs
Councilwoman Veech
Deputy Mayor Loveys
Mayor Forstenhausler
NAYS: None